Time Steps: My Musical Comedy Life

by Donna McKechnie, Greg Lawrence

A poignant and revealing memoir from a legendary entertainer. Donna McKechnie began her love affair with dance as a child in Detroit. At fifteen, she ran away from home to join a touring dance troupe, and in 1961, she was cast in the Broadway smash hit How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying . She soon won acclaim as Michael Bennett's show-stopping muse in Promises, Promises and Company . In 1975, with her Tony-winning performance in Michael Bennett's masterpiece, A Chorus Line , McKechnie vaulted to stardom as a unique Broadway "triple threat" who could do it all -- dance, sing, and act. Moving among the circles of artists, dancers, and musicians who inspired and challenged her in myriad ways, McKechnie writes about the trajectory of her career as it intertwined with and influenced her personal life and the lives of those around her. Recounting her dazzling career, McKechnie also reveals the dark side of from her parents' troubled relationship to a searing account of her own marriage to Michael Bennett and her inspiring triumphs over depression and the rheumatoid arthritis that nearly ended her career. With affectionate reminiscences of Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon, Stephen Sondheim, Fred Astaire, and many other well-known friends, McKechnie exhibits all the warmth, sensitivity, and verve that have endeared her to legions of fans over the years. Filled with behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes, Time Steps is a candid, funny, and deeply personal memoir by a vivacious woman with an indomitable spirit and an illustrious, ongoing career.

Genres: Theatre, Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Music, Biography Memoir

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Theo Chen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book chronicling an amazing career.

[Terry Barto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love letter to musical theater.

This is an amazing journey and it was really nice to ride along via this book. I was really moved by Donna’s truthful and straightforward approach. She is so open and generous with this presentation and the book is well-written.

I absolutely loved the behind the scenes moments with so many great legends of the theatre. Also, it’s great how she shared her learning experiences in theatre. Donna’s book has terrific tidbits of valuable information that would be helpful to an actor, dancer, singer and performer. She is the personification of a professional and a true thespian. And besides show business, the therapy sessions and life in general stuff was really interesting.

I especially enjoyed this book because musical theater was a large part of my life and a successful career. It all began when I was a kid and my parents took me to see a A Chorus Line at the Shubert Theater on the Avenue of the Stars in Century City, Los Angeles. I was blown away and that show was what propelled me to be a dancer. Fast forward 20 years and I actually choreographed a professional production of A Chorus Line. Up until then, A Chorus Line productions were being recreated by the original cast members but I didn’t know the original choreography. The show moved me so much that I strived to be true to the essence of the original, so I got books on the making of A Chorus Line. I put a lot of care and careful consideration with every aspect and did my best to make it as special as it deserved to be.

I wish I had this book earlier because it got me thinking that Donna McKechnie really was the heart of A Chorus Line and more so, it would have help me with The Music and the Mirror. It is an overwhelming number. I had my own Donna/ Gwen, as my assistant, who was an amazing dancer and we put together a great version. But I think I would have gotten the story better if I read Time Steps: My Musical Comedy Life.

Reading this book, I found myself routing for her all the way. I’m really happy for all her successes on stage and off. Thanks for sharing your inspiring story, Donna.

[Mediaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow with bad rhythm describes this dancer's autobiography that's weighed down by her clueless reaction to just about everything in life, her bizarre marriage to the very gay or bi Michael Bennett, and the one credit she'll forever be known for--A Chorus Line.

A little of any of that would be interesting, but these downers are on constant repeat. I guess you might enjoy it if you love Chorus Line and want his ex-wife to confirm that Michael Bennett is about the biggest jerk in theater history (which is saying a lot, putting him in the company of Jerome Robbins and Bob Fosse). But plenty of other books have covered those.

McKechnie is so out of touch with reality and herself, rebelling and running away from anyone who wants to help her (including dropping out of high school), then acquiescing to nutcase Bennett's whims and never really standing up to one of the most controlling men on earth. Oh, she goes to a bunch of therapists and tries to analyze why she's mentally ill (blaming it on her unpraising father) but it comes across as blame-shifting and delusional with a huge lack of self-awareness.

The longer the book went on, the more I dreaded reading it because she began to show herself as a real undereducated diva. It did reveal insights how incredibly insecure and needy Broadway actresses can become overbearing and obnoxious (like Ethel Merman and Patti Lupone).

Just like a theatrical show that runs too long and you're itching to leave in the middle of the second act, McKechnie's "time steps" were out of sync and ultimately a flashy flop.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I am a big fan of musical theatre. Also like the fact that Donna McKechnie grew up in Michigan where I live. She writes of her childhood growing up near Detroit. Leaving home when still a teenager to go to New York city to be a ballet dancer. This is her memoir of all the plays she has been in up through 2005 where her memoir ends. I know she became known after creating the character Cassie in A Chorus Line. She has gone on to be in countless plays all over the USA and England. I found her memoir to be a good one. she also writes about her horrific illness with arthritis that nearly ended her career. A pretty good read.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly Great Read

I hadn't seen the movie A Chorus Line in ages and a couple of days ago watched it again! I also saw it in Broadway decades ago. Watching the movie led to Google searches of Donna McKechnie and Michael Bennett. And that led to the discovery of Donna's book. I am so glad I found it. It was an amazing read that educated me about Michael and Donna's relationship and some of it being a part of A Chorus Line. The life Donna has led and the opportunities that did and didn't come her way make this a surprisingly great read. So glad I found this book!

[Phyllis Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

You think to yourself that wow -- they really made it. Even though very few performing artists actually make it, this book shows how even those who "make it" are still struggling and gypsies. If it weren't for A Chorus Line, it is questionable as to whether she would have "made it" at all. It has soul searching honesty and is a must read for anyone who strives to be a performing artist.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for any lover of musical theatre. I didn't recognise many of the names, giants in musical theatre history, but still appreciated their contribution to the Broadway I grew up with in the 70s. Donna McKechnie's story demonstrates how passion can enable you to persevere and overcome almost any challenge. There will only ever be one Cassie for me.

[Lcitera · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rehash of Broadway shows produced in the 70s and 80s...with venues in NYC, London, and various tours. Interesting with sporadic tittle tattle.

[Mrs. Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Niche, but very interesting to me, as a fan of Donna McKechnie and her dancing! A portrait of what it's really like to be a dancer. It's hard! Even when you're as talented as she was!

[Kathleen]

Loving, dance, Broadway and A Chorus Line, I enjoyed Ms. McKechnie's tale of her career as a featured performer, dancer, singer and a gypsy. AND her fight with and win over RA - something I didn't know about her. From childhood to 2006 when the book was written, she provides fascinating stories of her challenges, love life, performances and life. A very enjoyable read.

[Naveen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memoir by a client of my former agency.. who literally ran away from home, took the bus to NYC, and eventually became a collaborator on/ the inspiration for A CHORUS LINE for which she won the Best Actress Tony Award. Not the most sophisitcated writing, but a fascinating account.

[David Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always been a huge fan of McKechnie's, one of the all time great musical theatre talents. The book is interesting and she comes across just as you'd expect. A nice book to spend time with, and she seems like a lovely person to spend time with as well.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh girl.