Raise your hand if you identify as a “theater kid.” As someone who staged plucky backyard productions of Les Miserables for a number of years, I count myself among these ranks … despite my lack of ability to sing on key. We’re a spunky, passionate group who don’t often see ourselves depicted in media with the same love we feel for our art. So, when Theater Camp burst onto the scene during Sundance, I took notice. Would the movie earn a standing ovation? Or would it be, to quote The Producers, a “sure-fire flop”?
Theater Camp is a mockumentary following the spunky denizens of “Adiron Acts,” a children’s theatrical summer camp in upstate New York. Everyone is thrown for a loop when the camp’s founder (Amy Sedaris) falls into a coma. With few choices, her son (Jimmy Tatro) must step up and learn to be a leader, all the while trying to stave off the camp’s impending financial ruin.
Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Noah Galvin, Caroline Aaron and Nathan Lee Graham co-star in Theater Camp. Gordon and Nick Lieberman direct the film from a script they co-wrote with Galvin and Platt.
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As mentioned, Theater Camp is a mockumentary in its most fascinating and truest form. I was immediately reminded of Christopher Guest and his works like Best in Show and This Is Spinal Tap. The subgenre can be a complicated one, playing in what is often complex humor. This isn’t an easy form, but successful entries often end up remembered as comedy classics.
Luckily, Theater Camp is done tremendous service thanks to Gordon, Lieberman, Galvin and Platt’s script. The movie comes at this complex and colorful world from a place of love and empowerment which shines through all aspects of the film.
In fact, Theater Camp is perhaps best described as a love letter to not only theater but theater kids. There are references aplenty, sure to speak to savvy audiences and result in many laugh-out-loud moments. The script is witty and quite often biting, but it doesn’t temper the love for these characters.
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Theater Camp brings together a bright and talented cast who are very much coming up in the industry. Aside from Tony Award winner Ben Platt, this is a group I was largely unfamiliar with. However, I was so struck by this collection of characters that I looked up their filmographies on the walk out of the theater.
I found myself particularly taken with Noah Galvin’s work as Glenn, the camp’s befuddled but striking stage manager. For much of the movie, Galvin’s performance bubbles just under the surface. While it’s clear how beautifully charismatic he is, it isn’t until deep in the second act that he can finally unleash his full power. When all is said and done, though, Galvin shines in this star-making role. I’m incredibly excited to see where he goes from here.
At the same time, not enough can be said about the large group of youngsters playing the campers. The film makes savvy use of the young performers. We all know child actors can make or break a movie.
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Each of these “theater kids” is allowed their own identity, and they shine through with fun charisma. Alan Kim steals many scenes as Alan, a young boy aspiring to be an agent. At the same time, Luke Islam, Bailee Bonick and Quinn Titcomb stand out in their roles, bringing delightfully funny characterizations to match powerful vocal performances.
Theater Camp is a delight. This is a sweet entry to the cinema scene this summer. It’s quick, easy and goes down so smoothly. It’s fun. Plain and simple. For that reason, it’s hard to knock it. In an industry that’s just that — an industry — Theater Camp comes from the heart, and the love shines through. We need more movies like this.
Theater Camp opens in theaters on June 21, 2023.
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