SOUND OFF Special Edition: 10 Thoughtful Wishes For CAMP 2: FREAKS IN NATURE

Last night, acclaimed writer/director Todd Graff unexpectedly announced plans to film a follow-up to 2003 cult favorite theatre-themed movie musical CAMP titled CAMP 2: FREAKS IN NATURE set to feature fellow Tony Award-winning icons Patti LuPone and Donna Murphy, among others, inspiring Broadway babies to excitedly anticipate the many musical selections and dramatic coups that could potentially be included as part of the project. Of course, the original film famously featured a young Anna Kendrick memorably belting out the COMPANY 11 o'clocker "The Ladies Who Lunch" in addition to an unforgettable recreation of the original Michael Bennett-staged mini-masterpiece from PROMISES, PROMISES, "Turkey Lurkey Time" - plus some standout original tunes by the likes of Michael Gore and Lynn Ahrens, too - not to mention Stephen Sondheim himself appearing onscreen in a cameo role. Now, Graff promises at least one showstopper to match the ones in the first film, relaying, "We're going to introduce some fabulous new additions, like Donna Murphy, Patti LuPone and a bevy of other reigning Broadway divas performing a demented version of 'Steppin' To The Bad Side' from DREAMGIRLS to be staged by the one and only Jerry Mitchell." So, what other incredible magic could be conjured up? Let's speculate on some must-see moments we would relish experiencing onscreen in the hotly anticipated sequel.

1. Anna Kendrick returns! CAMP really wouldn't be CAMP without the soon-to-be Academy Award nominee and premier modern movie musical star late of INTO THE WOODS, THE LAST FIVE YEARS, PITCH PERFECT and PITCH PERFECT 2, so Kendrick's participation is a must if only to bring her journey full-circle given all that she has accomplished since - especially in the movie musical genre. But, what should she sing? Perhaps a brand new selection penned specifically to show off her copious skills onstage and onscreen!

2. Original songs. Lynn Ahrens & Michael Gore contributed the powerful new tunes "Here's Where I Stand" and "I Sing For You" for the first film, so how about some of the enormously talented theatre composers on the rise of 2015 contributing material - Joe Iconis, perhaps? What about Amanda Geen? Perhaps an established songwriter popular among young viewers such as Lin-Manuel Miranda or Jason Robert Brown, too? All things considered, there can never be enough great new material in a movie musical, after all!

3. Andrew Lloyd Webber cameo. Since the incomparable theatrical icon Stephen Sondheim made an unforgettable mark with his appearance in CAMP, it would only be fitting that his contemporary and the current king of musicals himself, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, would deign the denizens of Stage Door Manor with his company for the follow-up. Maybe Lord Andrew could even accompany a young talent at the piano to sing a tune or two (maybe one of his own)? Unquestionably, his presence alone in the sequel would make it a real, well, memory.

4. WICKED. More than any other musical since the debut of CAMP, Oz-themed mega-hit WICKED has made a mark on an entire generation in an unprecedented manner - indeed, not even ANNIE connected with a young audience like the witchy hit. Yet, what song should be performed - and who should sing it?! Given the masterful musical sequences in the first film, whatever is chosen is sure to defy gravity - and expectations.

5. Be a drag. The transgender movement has received considerable attention in the years since the release of CAMP and now would be the perfect time for the creators to consider addressing the presence of transgender individuals with positive acknowledgement and portrayals in the film. Plus, with so many marvelous musicals touching on themes pertaining to the topic - LA CAGE AUX FOLLES and KINKY BOOTS included - the possibilities for pertinent musical moments relating to the movement is too delicious to pass up. Everybody say yeah!

6. The SMASH & GLEE factor. Although it is nearly impossible to believe now, CAMP arrived long before the premiere of either major musical TV series - both NBC's short-lived SMASH and FOX's long-running GLEE - and therefore the new generation has already been more exposed to musical storytelling than any in 50 years or more as a result, at least as far as mainstream entertainment is concerned. Could a SMASH original song or GLEE mash-up turn up - or at least a reference to either enduring cult favorite? Time will tell.

7. Lady Gaga. While not an outright musical theatre star - at least not yet - the ubiquitous presence of Lady Gaga and her theatrical milieu complete with outrageous costumes, elaborate choreography and over the top spectacle has engendered her with the new generation in much the same way major divas like Cher and Madonna did before her. What she has done more recently with a best-selling standards album along with Tony Bennett and a jaw-dropping SOUND OF MUSIC tribute on this year's Oscars only further establishes her impact as a theatrical artist. While a cover of one of her songs seems inevitable, perhaps a cameo appearance or more complex tribute could be effective and entertaining, as well.

8. Robin De Jesus. Although Anna Kendrick has gone on to superstardom around the world as a silver screen headliner, then-newcomer Robin De Jesus has also had a stunning career since his debut in CAMP, nabbing Tony Award nominations and leading solo shows at 54 Below and beyond thanks to his inimitable personality and massive talent. A return for the true heart and soul character of the first film seems almost a foregone conclusion at this point - and, as a matter of fact, De Jesus himself hinted at news of CAMP 2 in my interview with him back in May, available here, so he's obviously already in the loop, as it were.

9. Gay marriage. 2003 saw the beginnings of the gay rights movement reaching its apotheosis and states starting to actually allow lesbian and gay individuals to be married under the law, but it is now nearly nationally accepted both legally and socially and it has become a fact of life in modern America. To show the engagement or actual nuptials of a gay couple could be inordinately impacting and relate to viewers how far the movement has come since the original was released - and how far it still has to go.

10. Classic Broadway. Although modern musicals like WICKED and IN THE HEIGHTS are likely to be tributed, it would be absolutely wonderful for the filmmakers to pay homage to some Golden Age and late-century classics, as well - THE SOUND OF MUSIC, MAME, ANNIE, EVITA, A CHORUS LINE and CATS to top the list. Perhaps a pun on the live musicals that have become increasingly popular or a tip of the hat to the recent movie musicals seen in theaters could work, too? Without a doubt, we have entered a musical theatre age in the entertainment realm at large since CAMP first premiered in 2003 and hopefully the next 12 years will be just as fruitful for the Broadway babies among us. But, first, CAMP 2: FREAKS IN NATURE.