Theater Camp

 

             This mockumentary about a scrappy Theater Camp in upstate New York is lots of fun. The film stars Ben Platt, Molly Gordon (who stars, and co-wrote and co-directed the film), Noah Galvin, Jimmy Tatro, Caroline Aaron, Ayo Edebiri, Amy Sedaris, Nathan Lee Graham, Patti Harrison, and Owen Thiele. It also has a terrific cast of aspiring young actors who love musical theater and are all very talented in their own right.

         The film follows a particular summer at the camp when there are financial troubles looming and the staff has to prepare the kids for multiple shows where everyone is looking for the lead roles. Since there is footage of Mr. Platt and others as children at a real theater camp, it is clear that the film is loosely based on their own experiences.

          From the auditions to the teaching process, and finally to the completed shows, the film is very funny and has some terrific song and dance numbers. If you are a fan of theater and musicals in particular, this is a must see but even if you are not and yet looking for something different and very enjoyable, you can't go wrong with "Theater Camp".