In the classic musical “A Chorus Line,” the character Paul recites a monologue about how performing affirmed his identity as a gay man. The speech culminates in a tearful recollection of the first time his parents see him in drag.
The documentary “Every Little Step” tracked the audition process of the 2006 Broadway revival of “A Chorus Line.” Jason Tam, young and wide-eyed delivers a definitive performance of the monologue. He exudes utter assurance while reciting words written before he was even born.
While gesturing and playing with his hair—actions that would ordinarily be considered distracting during an audition—Tam creates the opposite effect and even seems at ease. He starts, “We were doing this oriental number, and I looked like Cyd Charisse. I mean, oh, Anna May Wong.” Unless you had the script in front of you, it’d be impossible to tell that Tam actually said the wrong name at first and had to correct himself; instead, it seems as though those were the words written.
As Tam continues, he seems a million miles away while remembering the costume he wore during a drag performance at the Apollo Theater. This reverie dashes and turns into panic, Tam executing this change impeccably. He breathes new life into even the transitional lines of the speech, such as, “After I was done dressing and taking off my makeup…” The pauses in between the phrases add a layer of insecurity, and everyone is in tears by the heartwrenching ending. Needless to say, he booked it. Check out the masterful audition below.
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Want to see more? Check out “9 Great Actors’ Audition Tapes!”