We are living in tumultuous time in Hollywood right now. One that has the very value or artists, creators, writers and performers at its core as they fight to be treated fairly for their work. I’m not going to get into all of the nuances and discourse of the strikes (that’s a much longer conversation for a much different article but ya, I stand with the WGA and SAG, obviously) as it’s only relevance here is that that very value is at the core of “Theater Camp,” a delightful and hilarious film that celebrates creators and their art and embraces the weird and absurd with delicate emotional empathy.
This is a film for theater kids, by theaters kids, about theater kids, and it nails all of the eccentricities and passion that theater kids possess. I know, because I WAS a theater kid, and “Theater Camp” probably resonants with me on a more personal level because of that connection. It is rare to see such vulnerability, parody, and reverence for creators and performers, one that feels that it is both highlighting the silly things we do while simultaneously celebrating all the things that make us who we are.
A Sundance darling, “Theater Camp” is directed by Molly Gordon (“Booksmart,” “Good Boys,“) and Nick Lieberman, from a screenplay by both Gordon and Lieberman along with Noah Galvin and Ben Platt, all of whom (except Lieberman) also star in the film. “Theater Camp” is a mockumentary style comedy that follows a sort of DYI summer theater camp called AdirondACTS, run by Joan Rubinsky. Joan unexpectedly falls into a coma, leaving the camp in the hands of her clueless crypto tech-bro son Troy for the summer. Knowing nothing of the arts and a financial disaster that threatens the continuation of the camp looming, Troy must rely on the camp counselors and eccentric teachers to lead the kids in putting on the production of a lifetime to save the camp and honor his mother. The film stars Ben Platt as Amos, Molly Gordon as Rebecca, Noah Galvin as Glenn, Jimmy Tatro as Troy, Ayo Edebiri as Janet, and Nathan Lee Graham as Clive.
“Theater Camp” follows the ‘sing the song, save the show’ formula with little variance, on paper delivering a predicable feel good movie starring talented children singing and dancing and performing a banger of a finale song that rips with infectious melody. Admittedly, I’m a sucker for these kinds of films, and “Theater Camp” functions as a sort of PG-13 version of “Hamlet 2” or even “Glee” season 1. What sets this one apart from its similar counterparts is the lens with which all of these elements are viewed. “Hamlet 2” is a raunchy, irreverent comedy more concerned with poking fun at the arts, while “Glee” season one is a bit more empathetic but far more concerned with a carefully curated soundtrack than actually capturing the realities of artists and performers. “Theater Camp” willingingly embraces many of the most ridiculous aspects of the theater and artists, but is always aware that these are things to be celebrated and not looked down upon. The characters thrive BECAUSE they’re weird and different rather than being portrayed as succeeding in spite of them.
This distinction is paramount to the success and celebration of “Theater Camp,” and allows for the outsider perspective of Troy to feel less condescending the more he is ingrained in the world and much more understanding in the end. This also helps to elevate the film past its predictable narrative, allowing theater kids and performers to truly see themselves in these kids and laugh at their strangeness but never feeling as if they have to apologize for it. “Theater Camp” is genuine feel good magic, packed with biting wit and sharp comedic timing that really never lets up and cuts deep if you’re insider like myself. On top of it all, its performances work in tandem to make this one so wonderful. Platt has become a sort of divisive figure as of late after his reprisal of his “Dear Evan Hansen” role in the film version. He’s also kind of been a small dose film performer, never fully being about to translate his stage talent as well to the screen. Paired with Gordon, they both bring out the best in each in “Theater Camp.” They have real chemistry together and are so funny, thriving in roles and a world they are intimately familiar with.
All of the child performers are also wonderful, and put on a finale performance that is both outrageously hilarious but also incredibly moving. The true runaways in “Theater Camp” though are Tatro’s Troy and Galvin’s Glenn, who just may be the MVP of the entire film. Their banter and interactions together are scene stealers, and Galvin’s character arc explodes in the third act to a fever pitch of comedy and satisfaction that will have you rooting for him and cheering for where he ends up. It’s one of the only huge surprises in the film that I won’t spoil here as it’s so worth the reveal. Tatro has long been typecast as a tech-bro, inserted into most projects to fill that roll specifically with little variety across his filmography. He’s not doing anything particularly new here, but “Theater Camp” makes the best use of his talents and his persona ends up being a bright spot. There’s not a bad performance, with even some of the more cameo type appearances getting their moments to deliver some truly laugh out loud jokes and line delivery. But by the time the film is heading towards its final act, it’s Galvin who takes over “Theater Camp” and will leave you remembering his name and wanting to follow his career from now on.
I really can’t say enough about “Theater Camp.” I had the pleasure of seeing it at Sundance back in January, and it’s been hovering around my top 5 favorite films of the year ever since. I am of course a little biased since this film feels tailored made for me and my upbringing on the stage, but “Theater Camp” also packs some truly joyous emotional heart that is easily translatable on a universal scale. We are in a rather droll time in film and television, and if we’re being really honest we can kind of just look around, gesture at everything and sigh at how terrible everything looks and feels. “Theater Camp” is a shot of dopamine to the heart, bursting with laughs and genuine heart that will leave you singing and remembering what it was like to feel something great.
I can’t say enough about how much fun “Theater Camp” is. The film is something special that is sure to resonate with anyone who ever wanted to follow their dreams or embrace the strangest parts of themselves. It is who you are, and “Theater Camp” strives to celebrate all of of you and encourage all of us to be ourselves and sing our hearts out.
“Theater Camp” is why we need artists, creators, performers, and art, and why it all to be comprised of real people with real passions and talents. In a time where everything and everyone is devalued, “Theater Camp” reminds us why we are so important, and I can’t recommend seeing this film enough.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
“Theater Camp” is now playing in select theaters. You can watch the trailer below.
