What I did for love

Old William Shakespeare loved the whole play within a play convention. It's as old as time. Older than me, even. But it's great when someone finds an entirely fresh take on it.

I saw Every Little Step this weekend. It's about the musical A Chorus Line. 

The film harkens back to the source of the original play -- a late night meeting between Tony-winning Broadway choreographer Michael Bennett and a group of performers (the original tape still exists) -- then weaves that story into the casting of the 2005 revival of the play.

So the play is about the casting of a play, and we're watching a film about the casting of a play about the casting of a play. 

It's less complicated than it sounds and it's absolutely spellbinding. 

Over the eight months it takes to cast the play, you become deeply invested in the lives of the gypsies who choose to make their living on Broadway. It's tenderly told and heartbreaking in points. 

For anyone working in a creative industry who puts themselves out there on a consistent basis, you can't help but feel their vulnerability. 

You cheer for those who get it and despair for those who don't.

Bring tissue...and your jazz hands.