At some point in our young lives, we've all wanted to be on stage whether singing, dancing or acting. That's why so many viewers tune into "American Idol" or "So You Think You Can Dance" each week. We want to see these everyday people like ourselves achieve their dreams and practice their passions.
However, long before these reality competition shows flashed on our screens, Broadway has been using open call auditions to get their shows cast. While many starring roles seem to go to established stars, every so often there is a story of that one person who comes in to an open call without any prior experience and gets a featured role above a more established actress or actor.
That was the case for Jessica Lee Goldyn.
Goldyn went to audition for the 2006 revival of "A Chorus Line," hoping to get the role of Val. Her journey, as well as those of other hundreds of Broadway hopefuls, was captured by the 2008 documentary "Every Little Step." In the final round of callbacks, Goldyn was against Broadway regular Nikki Snelson; the producers ended up choosing Goldyn for Val, who later took over for the role of Cassie in the revival's run.
"Jessica represented the Broadway dream," "Every Little Step" director Adam del Deo said in an interview with The Eagle. "The dream of getting off the bus in Times Square and winning a role in a Broadway show." Even those who didn't get a role in the revival gave del Deo inspiration. "[Broadway regular] Rachelle [Rak] didn't get the part of Sheila, but she just keeps going. She used what happened with 'A Chorus Line' and used that drive for the next project."
"A Chorus Line" chronicles the stories of actors and actresses auditioning for the ensemble of a Broadway show. The stories were taken from 18 gypsies, the nickname for ensemble members, and woven together in 1974 by choreographer Michael Bennett. The original Broadway run lasted from 1975 to 1990 with its revival running from 2006 to 2008 and a touring run for the 2008-2009 season.
"We wanted to direct this documentary to show the audition process to mirror 'A Chorus Line,'" del Deo said when the revival was announced. It was the first time that cameras were allowed to witness the Broadway audition process. Just like the characters in "A Chorus Line," the audience of "Every Little Step" got familiar with those auditioning for the roles of the musical. They heard the stories of how they got there - from the life of established actress Charlotte d'Amboise to Broadway newbie Chryssie Whitehead.
"Every Little Step" gives an insight in to the world of Broadway, a seemingly dying form of entertainment. In January, more than 10 Broadway shows closed, including the popular "Spamalot" and "Hairspray." Many analysts suggest the economic collapse in late 2008 is to blame for the shuttering of Broadway shows and the resulting decline of audiences at current shows.
However, many incoming Broadway shows are more revivals and musical forms of popular Hollywood films.
"The audiences just want something that they're familiar with," del Deo said of the new trend. "They want to know that they'll be entertained." Currently, of the 32 shows, almost half are revivals or based on films.
Even with Broadway's decline, many hopefuls go to New York dreaming of making it big in the limelight. "Every Little Step" tells some of the stories of these dreamers, though there are thousands more. Unlike the stage of "American Idol," there isn't a top 10, five or even a runner-up. The audience will never hear from the girl or guy who got passed over for a role in a Broadway cast.
"Every Little Step" was an official selection at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival. It was released in Los Angeles and New York City Friday and will debut in D.C. on May 22 at the Landmark E Street and Bethesda Row cinemas.
You can reach this writer at thescene@theagleonline.com.
