Stepping Out With Liza Minnelli
Stepping Out with Liza Minnelli, shot in 1990, had problems of a different kind than the ones mentioned in my last post about Bye Bye Blues. Our daughter, Robyn Stevan, was also in this movie.
The Cast
Stepping Out, adapted from a play by Richard Harris, was supposed to be Liza Minelli’s comeback film. She practiced her dance routines for a year before production began on this movie. It’s a heartwarming story about a group of women from different walks of life who take a tap dancing class in a church hall.
The fabulous Shelley Winters played the pianist. The tap dancers were: Robyn Stevan, Andrea Martin of Second City fame, Jane Krakowski, Sheila McCarthy, Julia Walters (Educating Rita with Michael Caine), Bill Irwin, Ellen Greene ( Little Shop of Horrors) and Carol Woods.
Our daughter Robyn was called in to read for the film, when Director Lewis Gilbert (of Educating Rita and Alfie fame) saw her in Bye Bye Blues while he was flying to Toronto for the auditions. Once cast, Robyn put on weight to give credence to her character, which was a gutsy thing to do back in 1990. Not something actresses in skinny-obsessed Hollywood are willing to do.
© Robyn Stevan and Jane Krakowski
Well, as luck would have it Stepping Out came out just as the heads of Paramount were changing. The new guard, to put themselves in a positive light, intentionally or unintentionally disregarded this film and put little money into publicity or distribution. If the film isn’t seen, how can it do?
© Robyn Stevan, Andrea Martin, and Ellen Greene
It’s a decent story that slipped below the radar. Thankfully, it’a available on Amazon. For tap dancers and anyone who likes a good story, and of course one with the magnificent Liza Minelli, it’s a film worth seeing.
Rotten Tomatoes has it listed with a 72% rating with the public, so that’s not bad.
Liza Minnelli, A Class Act
On a side note, over the years, I’ve watched the media circus around Liza and have been amazed that she’s still standing. She is a star and deservedly so, given her one woman shows and her tour de force appearance in Cabaret.
When I met Liza and had dinner with her and the rest of the cast, she was nothing but gracious.
© Copy of signed photo of Cast hanging in my office
She treated our daughter extremely well, taking her to a performance of Frank Sinatra’s and via Pia Zadora’s pink jet to Las Vegas.
To Act Or Not To Act
Our daughter decided to leave her career of acting in favour of raising a family. She is now an elementary school teacher who teaches the 3Rs as well as drama to young kids. Lucky kids. She doesn’t miss the limelight but she may give it a shot again down the road.
Wonderful story, Diana. Good for your daughter – and I’m glad she got to live her dream.
Yes, she did. Had her thrills both on film and on stage but realized it’s a rough road to travel. It’s not all that it’s cracked up to be, especially if you have family. Something has to give.
Thanks for sharing this story and video, I enjoyed both. We just never know where Life will take us, but we can thrive on the journey. ~ Susanne, at The Writers’ Loop
Thanks for your comment, Susanne. Always lovely to hear from readers and fellow writers like yourself. You have a great website. And yes, we never know where life will take us. We carve out our own journey by and large but the detours along the way can bring delicious surprises.
This makes me want to dust off my Judy Garland movies! It was a treat to watch. I’m your neighbor at Thursday Favorite Things.
I understand. I loved Judy Garland films. She had a “heavenly” voice. I will check you out, neighbour. 🙂
I was living Toronto as the time this was been filmed. In fact I was an extra in the audience at the theatre, for the dance scenes. The thing that amazed me though was I did get to meet the cast both on and off set. Professional when need be, but truly a fun set to be on. That goes for the whole cast really down to earth and was great to meet and be around. Like your daughter I was there to work in the music industry, but fate had another road for me. I became a care giver and feel in love with that. Though i still dream Guy From Sault Ste Marie
Nice to hear from you, Doug. How wonderful that you found your calling. The music and acting industry is very seductive. I was part of the acting industry for a while, so I know the pros and cons of it. Very few end up with satisfying careers. I hope you enjoy your holidays and all the best in 2023!