Laughter lights up the stage in the mockumentary Theater Camp
FILM REVIEW
Theater Camp
Rudy S.
Headliner Chicago
As the saying goes, "Once a theater kid, Always a theater kid!," and that's what Theater Camp embraces. The mockumentary takes us inside a struggling theater camp with a quirky cast of characters both young and seasoned, including Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, Jimmy Tatro & Amy Sedaris. Without giving any spoilers, the camp leaders are found with new leadership and a new complicated future with a rival camp as the students prepare to put on their summer shows.
Ben Platt plays a theater teacher who has made this career and friendships a great portion of his identity, which works perfectly until several key parts start to change. We also get an incredible performance from Platt's partner Noah Galvin, who plays the underappreciated tech director. While I've loved television and stage productions featuring both Platt and Galvin, I loved seeing them in a movie together and hope they continue to find projects working together.
Jimmy Tatro plays the son of Amy Sedaris' character and for the most part the only main player without a theater background or much love for the craft. These scenes can probably cut deep for those who have had a sibling, parent, teacher or friend who doesn't understand their love of the stage. On the flip side, we've all had a co-worker, relative or significant with a hobby that goes way over our head or understanding. I love how the film explores how these two worlds can thrive together, in the most unexpected of ways.
The roughly 90 minute film is full of laughs, heart and personalities that should be extremely familiar to those in the theater community. From the full-time teacher/aspiring performer to the student who always gets the lead role, this film captures a true reflection of many aspects of theater life. I can see this film becoming a quick cult classic. especially among theater students and anyone who has found their community through a camp or a hobby.
Ben Platt plays a theater teacher who has made this career and friendships a great portion of his identity, which works perfectly until several key parts start to change. We also get an incredible performance from Platt's partner Noah Galvin, who plays the underappreciated tech director. While I've loved television and stage productions featuring both Platt and Galvin, I loved seeing them in a movie together and hope they continue to find projects working together.
Jimmy Tatro plays the son of Amy Sedaris' character and for the most part the only main player without a theater background or much love for the craft. These scenes can probably cut deep for those who have had a sibling, parent, teacher or friend who doesn't understand their love of the stage. On the flip side, we've all had a co-worker, relative or significant with a hobby that goes way over our head or understanding. I love how the film explores how these two worlds can thrive together, in the most unexpected of ways.
The roughly 90 minute film is full of laughs, heart and personalities that should be extremely familiar to those in the theater community. From the full-time teacher/aspiring performer to the student who always gets the lead role, this film captures a true reflection of many aspects of theater life. I can see this film becoming a quick cult classic. especially among theater students and anyone who has found their community through a camp or a hobby.
3.5 out of 4 stars
Theater Camp
in select theatres now
Expanding to Chicago on July 21
Theater Camp
in select theatres now
Expanding to Chicago on July 21