Every Broadway show has a story behind it, and “A Chorus Line,” the legendary Tony-winning Broadway music and dance phenomenon, has a classic story indeed. Every Little Step captures the magic of every exciting moment, from casting to production, of the 2006 revival.

When James D. Stern contacted Adam Del Deo with the opportunity to develop a story on the revival of the popular show and appeal to audiences today, he was delighted to collaborate. The fascinating idea of following thousands of dancers through the grueling, extensive audition process, along with the privilege to capture their intimate moments, emotional breakdowns and ultimate highs, moved the two director/producers to tears and compelled them to deliver a new look at an iconic show through the generations.

In the opening scene, 3,000 hopefuls are auditioning.

Casting director Jay Binder says, “The way you get a job on a hit Broadway show is by giving a finished, polished performance. Casting for ‘Chorus Line’ is the biggest challenge, since the roles are so specific and defined, each fitting perfectly in the slot.”

The late Michael Bennett, choreographer/director, states in an archive footage interview, “My life was dance so doing ‘Chorus Line’ was a natural, obvious choice.”

These interviews and never-before-seen footage become the essence and inspiration of Every Little Step and a true legacy of Bennett’s genius and creativity.

With the popularity of “American Bandstand” (a predecessor to “American Idol” and “Dancing with the Stars”), Bennett saw something special in “A Chorus Line” and found a genius team of collaborators, including producer Bob Avian and composer Marvin Hamlisch.

The film takes a close look at the optimistic talent that never gives up hope. One states, “We’re living our lives, dreaming the dream, and dealing with it.” Another chimes in, “So many people have made it in show business, there’s room for more, why not?”

The theme of “A Chorus Line” is universal and everlasting: People that work hard, set goals and roll up their sleeves in order to take the steps necessary to make things happen, succeed, and ultimately win.

When one dancer, Natasha, does not make the final cut, she says, “Each night is opening night and closing night. The hardest thing is when you can’t dance. I think there’s a show out there still calling for me!”

In recalling the entire process and journey of this creative, collaborative effort and labor of love, Del Deo says, “A lot of things have to add up, with the multi-talented artists auditioning, rehearsing, performing, pouring their hearts into their lifelong passion, striving for the end goal, as their dreams and fates hang in the balance of Broadway’s emotional roller coaster. Some make it, and some don’t. That’s life!”



Every Little Step releases in theaters April 17.