Theater Camp(2023): Experience a Summer Filled with Laughter and Music

If you’re in search of an entertaining and heartwarming movie to enjoy this summer, look no further than Theater Camp. This delightful comedy revolves around a group of eccentric theater enthusiasts who band together to save their cherished camp from closure. Theater Camp is based on a short film that premiered at the renowned 2020 Sundance Film Festival and features a talented ensemble cast of actors, singers, and comedians. Get ready to be captivated by this hilarious and uplifting film, hitting theaters on July 14, 2023.

Trailer

Unveiled on June 14, 2023, the official trailer for Theater Camp offers a sneak peek into the comical and heartfelt narrative of the movie. The story unfolds as Joan (Amy Sedaris), the camp’s founder, falls into a coma, leaving her clueless son Troy (Jimmy Tatro) in charge of the camp’s fate. Troy, a crypto-bro with no knowledge of theater, plans to sell the camp to a developer. However, he faces opposition from the dedicated camp staff and students, led by Amos (Ben Platt) and Rebecca-Diane (Molly Gordon), who are determined to keep the camp alive. The trailer also showcases musical numbers, quirky characters, and the amusing situations that arise as they prepare for their final show.

You can watch the trailer here:

Release Date

Theater Camp is set to hit theaters on July 14, 2023, distributed by Searchlight Pictures. It will be released alongside other films, including “Imagine Dragons Live in Vegas,” “The Miracle Club,” and “The Flood.” The movie is rated PG-13 for strong language and suggestive/drug references.

Storyline

Theater Camp follows the captivating journey of Amos and Rebecca-Diane, lifelong best friends and drama instructors at AdirondACTS, a charming theater camp located in upstate New York. The camp serves as a sanctuary for budding performers. When Joan falls into a coma, her son Troy takes over the camp with intentions to sell it to a developer who plans to convert it into a golf resort. Amos and Rebecca-Diane rally their team of eclectic teachers and students to devise a solution before the curtain rises on opening night. Throughout their adventure, they encounter various challenges, such as budget cuts, rival camps, acts of sabotage, romantic encounters, and personal growth.

Cast & Crew

Theater Camp showcases an impressive cast of actors, singers, and comedians who infuse their talents and charisma into the film. The ensemble includes:

• Ben Platt as Amos Klobuchar, a passionate theater teacher with a fondness for musicals and an attraction to Rebecca-Diane.
• Molly Gordon as Rebecca-Diane, a confident theater teacher who excels in improv and harbors feelings for Amos.
• Noah Galvin as Glenn Wintrop, a witty theater teacher and Shakespeare enthusiast who shares a rivalry with Amos.
• Jimmy Tatro as Troy Rubinsky, Joan’s son who inherits the camp and aims to sell it.
• Patti Harrison as Caroline Krauss, a sarcastic theater teacher who adores horror movies and develops a crush on Troy.
• Nathan Lee Graham as Clive DeWitt, an elegant theater teacher who appreciates opera and guards a secret past.
• Ayo Edebiri as Janet Walch, a cheerful theater teacher with a penchant for comedy and a crush on Glenn.
• Owen Thiele as Gigi Charbonier, a flamboyant theater teacher who delights in drag performances and holds a candle for Clive.
• Caroline Aaron as Rita Cohen, Joan’s loyal assistant responsible for managing the camp office.
• Amy Sedaris as Joan Rubinsky, the indomitable founder of the camp who finds herself in a coma.
• Alan Kim as Alan Park, a reserved camper enthralled by magic tricks and harboring a crush on Darla.
• Kyndra Sanchez as Darla Sanchez, a confident camper who loves to dance and has a soft spot for Alan.
• Alexander Bello as Sebastian Campbell, a talented camper who possesses a captivating voice and a crush on Christopher L.
• Luke Islam as Christopher L., an ambitious camper with a flair for acting and a crush on Sebastian.
• Bailee Bonick as Mackenzie Thomas, an enthusiastic camper passionate about costumes and infatuated with Devon.
• Donovan Colan as Devon Miller, an athletic camper who adores sports and has a crush on Mackenzie.
• Vivienne Sachs as Lainy Fischer, an edgy camper who excels in writing and carries a torch for Alice.
• Quinn Titcomb as Alice Taylor, an artistic camper who enjoys painting and nurtures feelings for Lainy.
• Jack Sobolewski as Christopher S., a mischievous camper who revels in pranks and lacks a romantic interest.

The movie marks the directorial debut of Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Ben Platt and Noah Galvin. The script draws inspiration from their 2020 short film bearing the same title. Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, and Samie Kim Falvey produce the film under the Gloria Sanchez Productions banner, along with Erik Feig, Julia Hammer, Ryan Heller, and Maria Zuckerman under their Picturestart banner. James McAlister and Mark Sonnenblick compose the film’s music.

Behind the Scenes Anecdotes

Theater Camp serves as a passion project for both the filmmakers and the cast, all of whom share a deep love for theater and maintain friendships off-screen. Here are some intriguing anecdotes from behind the scenes:

• Ben Platt and Noah Galvin drew inspiration from their real-life experiences when crafting the movie. The duo met at a theater camp during their teenage years and eventually became best friends. They later shared the role in the Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen.” In 2020, they also briefly dated.
• Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman similarly bonded at a theater camp during their teenage years. The two friends subsequently attended college together and ventured into the world of short film production. In 2020, they co-directed the short film “Theater Camp,” featuring Platt, Galvin, Gordon, and several other friends. The short film’s selection for the 2020 Sundance Film Festival attracted the attention of Will Ferrell, who offered to produce a full-length adaptation.
• Principal photography for Theater Camp took place in August and September 2022 at various locations in upstate New York, including Lake George, Saratoga Springs, and Glens Falls. The filmmakers aimed to capture the authentic atmosphere of a summer theater camp nestled in the woods.
• The film showcases a number of musical numbers, consisting of both original compositions by McAlister and Sonnenblick, as well as covers of popular songs from diverse genres. The entire cast performed their own singing and dancing, with Platt and Islam boasting the most extensive vocal experience among the group.
• Improvisation played a significant role during the production of Theater Camp. The filmmakers encouraged the cast to embrace creativity and spontaneity on set, leading to the inclusion of several improvised scenes and lines. Memorable moments include Harrison’s deadpan delivery of “I’m Caroline Krauss. I love horror movies and Troy Rubinsky” and Tatro’s bewildered reaction to Thiele’s drag performance of “I Will Survive.”
• The film pays homage to theater history and culture through various references and nods, including famous musicals like “Hamilton,” “Les Misérables,” “Wicked,” “Rent,” “Cats,” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” Additionally, Theater Camp serves as a tribute to theater legends who passed away in 2020 and 2021, such as Nick Cordero, Terrence McNally, Jerry Herman, and Hal Prince.

Reviews

Following its premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival on January 21, Theater Camp garnered positive reviews from both critics and audiences. The movie currently holds a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 30 reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10. The site’s critics consensus describes Theater Camp as a delightful comedy that celebrates the joy and enchantment of theater, boasting a charming cast, witty script, and catchy songs. On Metacritic, the film has a score of 65 out of 100, indicating “generally favorable reviews” based on 30 reviews.

Here are some excerpts from critics’ reviews:

• “Theater Camp is a hilarious and heartwarming tribute to theater enthusiasts everywhere. Ben Platt and Molly Gordon shine as the leads, while Noah Galvin steals the spotlight with his snarky rival character. Filled with laughter, catchy songs, and surprising moments, this movie will make you want to join them on stage.” – Peter Debruge, Variety
• “Combining spoof and homage, Theater Camp is a rare gem that caters to both theater aficionados and comedy lovers. The film is packed with laugh-out-loud jokes and heartwarming instances, showcasing a remarkable cast. Jimmy Tatro’s portrayal of the clueless crypto-bro turned theater appreciator is especially noteworthy.” – David Ehrlich, IndieWire
• “A fun and uplifting comedy, Theater Camp highlights the talents and chemistry of its cast. It serves as a love letter to theater enthusiasts and anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. The infectious musical numbers, particularly the rousing finale, will leave you standing and cheering for more.” – Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times

Future

Anticipated to be one of the summer’s biggest hits in 2023, Theater Camp appeals to a wide range of audiences who enjoy comedy and musicals. The movie has already generated significant buzz online, with fans creating fan art, memes, playlists, and quizzes inspired by the film. Additionally, Theater Camp has garnered attention for potential awards recognition, having won the Audience Award for Best Comedy at the Sundance Film Festival and receiving four Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor for Platt, Best Actress for Gordon, and Best Original Song for “Theater Camp Anthem.”

The filmmakers and cast have expressed their enthusiasm for potential sequels or spin-offs of Theater Camp. Their enjoyable experience working on the film has sparked a wealth of ideas for further stories and songs. Furthermore, they hope that the movie will inspire a greater appreciation for theater, encouraging more people to explore its art and culture.

Intriguing Facts

Here are some intriguing facts about Theater Camp that you might not know:

• The movie draws partial inspiration from the 2003 musical comedy film “Camp,” which also revolves around a theater camp and features Anna Kendrick in her film debut.
• Lin-Manuel Miranda makes a cameo appearance in the film, portraying himself as a guest speaker at the camp. Miranda, a friend and mentor to Ben Platt, previously collaborated with Platt on the Broadway production of “Hamilton.”
• Will Ferrell also makes a cameo appearance in the movie as a golf instructor, attempting to teach Troy the game of golf. Ferrell, a theater enthusiast, not only serves as one of the film’s producers but also makes a humorous contribution to the story.
• Theater Camp includes a post-credits scene that hints at a possible sequel or spin-off, involving the arrival of Troy’s sister, portrayed by Beanie Feldstein, who brings her own agenda to the camp.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Theater Camp:

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