Why no Diana coverage?

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That was definitely a glaring omission. I have heard, though, that some people were not included, because they wouldn't sign the 'release' allowing their footage to be included in the documentary. So maybe the Diana auditioners were among them. Or maybe just the one who got the job -- if her story hadn't been included, but only the ones who DID get the job, it would be weird. I found it also strange that they didn't spend time on the extremely important role of 'Zach'. But... they also didn't ever mention James Kirkwood, who wrote the show's script -- as if the words from the tapes all magically became a script by themselves -- He did, after all, win a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for 'Best Book of a Musical' as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Very very odd to not even mention his name in the documentary... and somewhat disrespectful.

I was disappointed, as well, especially since Nothing is my favorite song in the show. Still, what an amazing movie; second best of the year after Up, in my opinion.

Obviously they couldn't have covered auditions for all, or even most of the roles, unless they made this a mini-series or something. BUT, certain roles were already cast before these audition processes began, and I understand that both Diana Morales and Zach were among these. I remember at the time plans for this revival became public, news of Michael Berresse's being cast as Zach came pretty early (I think he was still in Light in the Piazza).

I believe there is passing reference to both Ed Kleban and James Kirkwood in the movie, though it's probably true it's not enough. If I'm remembering correctly, there was, particularly, a moment when Marvin Hamlisch spoke about "Dance Ten, Looks Three" being one of the funniest songs he'd ever written; seemed weird to me, as he doesn't have any co-credit for lyrics, and I've never heard that he did any substantial work on them, as sometimes happens without credit (for instance, I've heard there was some small amount of crossover work between Bernstein and Sondheim on West Side Story, as to lyrics and music). Maybe he really meant that the music itself was funny. Unlikely though, especially since he was discussing how revealing the comic 'shocker' line in the song's title ruined the audience reaction.

Can't explain why there's no Diana. But on the DVD extras, they said that everyone filmed had to sign a release, but they had a 48 hour window to revoke the agreement if the dancer did something they didn't want seen. They didn't mention if anyone actually used the 48 window.

I thought it strange, too. Especially since Priscilla Lopez had a such a big success in it. The movie seemed to really feature the women. Which is fine, but we didn't see much of the men in the show apart from the Paul. I never thought that Zach was a very good part. The whole 'voice of God' thing in the show is neither real or convincing. It kind of works as a theatricalized view of a director but even so it's far too functional. But the film does very well what it sets out to do. And so many talented people!

Just saw this movie on Starz and wondered the same thing. Did a little Googling and found the answer in this interview with the directors:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/movies/2009331867_every14.html

"Natalie Cortez sewed that part up so early in the process, and she did not do it in a dramatic fashion," explained Stein. "It didn't give us as much to use." He noted that they had 400 or 500 hours of original footage, which needed to be reduced to approximately 90 minutes. Cortez, however, can be heard in the film, singing "What I Did For Love" over the end credits.

I'm REALLY out of touch with Broadway performers these days....but is Natalie Cortez the girl with short dark hair who can actually sing that demanding crescendo in the At the Ballet finish?

I assumed they found a place for her, and wondered if it was in that role.