by Samuel Nichols, Contributing Writer
“I have dealt with enough theater kids in my life. I don’t need to see this movie with you.” Those were the exact words my wife said when I asked her if she wanted to see Theater Camp last week. As a veteran of the musical theater world, I do not blame her. Shoot, I was in my fair share of plays and musicals. The idea of watching a bunch of try-hard thespians in a movie sounded a little ridiculous to me too. Without question, I went into this movie jaded. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear it is a wholesome story of community. And even that could crack the hardest cynic like myself.
Oh no! Camp ACT has fallen on hard times! When the camp founder and legend Joan Rubinsky (Amy Sedaris) falls into a coma, the camp has new leadership in the form of acting teacher Amos (Ben Platt) and music teacher Rebecca-Diane (Molly Gordon). While some older counselors and instructors remain, like Rita the camp director (Caroline Aaron), Joan’s son Troy (Jimmy Tatro) is now in charge of making sure the camp runs smoothly in the face of financial hardship. Not to mention there are plenty of theater exercises, eccentric students, and facility problems to conduct/deal with as well. But everyone is aware of the problems the camp is facing, and no one is going away. Everyone is sticking it out to help keep the camp alive!
To reflect the message of my wife’s words, theater people are zany, and can be an annoying lot. The overcommitment to their passions is occasionally off-putting and a little snobbish. But I’ll give them this: They have flair and are an eclectic bunch. That passion is really just a love for an interest, just like a jock might love hitting the gym or playing a game. Platt and Gordon are definitely in their element with these performances as theater coaches. Each of them gives off an energy that you know they have seen a hundred times over during the time on the stage. Platt has the over-importance down to a T, and every line delivery is an ode to the principles of these theater kids. Gordon’s performance is a little more on the subdued side, but she exudes some maturity that makes you think she might actually be a great teacher if she wanted to.
Tatro steals absolutely every seen he is in. The University of Arizona alum brings his YouTube persona to life as a goofy and out-of-depth wannabe influencer. He clearly means well, but he has no idea what he is doing with running this camp. With all the millennial charm and charisma he can muster, the man is just doing his best to keep up. He represents the outsiders trying to connect with the campers and counselors, and sometimes the group just does not want to let him in. The scenes where that conflict happens show off some great dialogue, as the veterans of the stage try to help him see the error of his ways. But while they see their confrontation as righteous, it is really harmful to a guy in Troy who just wants to fit in and help. Eventually the insiders see his value, and Troy proves his worth through hard work and desire to help.
Honestly, I was ready to hate this movie coming into it. Messages of belonging are a dime a dozen these days. Mix that in with my pre-disposed disdain for drama geeks, and I was ready to laugh at this, rather than with it. But the humor really landed with me a lot. These stage veterans know what gets an audience laughing. The mockumentary style adds to that element as there plenty of “Jim to the camera” moments too. There are well-written jokes to go around, and the good delivery from talents like Gordon, Platt, and Tatro makes this work. Like all comedies, there is an element of drama, as the future of the camp is at stake, and that question had me on the edge of my seat. The investment built into these characters made me want to see them keep this place they all call home.
If you can get me caring about a movie like this, you’ve done something right. I can see the value in this movie and in supporting the people whose story it’s sharing. The community that these characters create between themselves is streets ahead. To paraphrase a popular Disney channel original, they’re all in this together, and it shows.
Rating: Loved It
Theater Camp is currently playing in theaters
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