Film Review: THEATER CAMP

Theater Camp begins when Joan, the founder of a struggling upstate New York Camp, falls victim to “the world’s first bye-bye-birdie related injury,” meaning her wannabe-influencer son Troy (Jimmy Tatro) must step in to keep the camp afloat for another year.

However, he has not inherited his mother's theatricality, and chaos quickly ensues, leaving the duty of running the camp to the eccentric counsellors, while Troy determines whether or not to sell the camp. 

When auditions kickstart for the summer productions, most of the students are vying for a role in "Joan, Still" - this year's original piece from counsellors Amos (Ben Platt) and Rebecca-Dianne (Molly Gordon), based on the life of the camp's founder. A role in their annual production is reserved for only the most talented campers - something which they make clear during auditions. While still embracing their writing process, the pair go on their own journey as it becomes clear that Rebecca-Dianne is considering leaving the nest. The nest here is the camp - something which neither of the former students appears able to leave behind. 

The documentary-style framing of the show allows the audience to get a glimpse into what it's really like “backstage,” both the good and the bad. Built upon a sense of (perhaps painful) relatability, anyone who's spent time in youth theatre will find themselves represented here, one way or another. For example, Stagehands everywhere will recognise themselves in Glenn (Noah Galvin),  whose work stops the camp (and the shows) from falling apart. 

Written by many of its stars (Ben Plat, Molly Gordon, Noah Galvin, and Nick Lieberman) and directed by Gordon and Lieberman, it's clear that a lot of heart has gone into making Theater Camp. There’s a certain fondness in the way it makes fun of itself, with plenty of tongue-in-cheek humour present throughout. With a cast packed with some of Broadway’s most well-known, its “third-generation stagehand,” Glenn, who steals the spotlight. Here, Galvin demonstrates a real skill for comic timing. However, despite what counsellors may believe themselves, children are too often the real stars of Theater Camp: and there's an impressive young ensemble present here, too. 

Originally based upon a short film, Theater Camp manages not to overstay its welcome, though it feels like it could be pacier at places. The musical numbers are cheesy enough to belong within a theatre camp and delivered with impressive vocals, but will unlikely make their way onto your daily playlists.

While many characters are obvious caricatures, it sometimes takes a little while to sympathise with them. Despite this, the emotional resonance found within the film’s ending means you can’t help but root for them - even those you’d likely avoid at the after-show party in real life. 

If there is one thing to be gleaned from Theater Camp, it's that it's a movie created for and by ‘theater kids.’ Packed with niche references to throat coats, tear sticks, and backstage politics, this mockumentary-style film is sure to strike a chord with those brought up in the theatre. In short, it's a love letter to anyone who has ever found their home on the stage.

Theater Camp is released in UK cinemas from 25 August 2023

Image Credit: Searchlight Pictures

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