Embracing the Eccentricity - ‘Theater Camp’ Film Review
by William Lindus
Director Molly Gordon, in collaboration with Nick Lieberman, brings the infectious energy and gleeful chaos of the small stage to the big screen in the comedic faux documentary, "Theater Camp". The film is a jovial romp through the idiosyncratic world of Camp AdirondACTS, a cherished haven for theater kids, offering laughter, heart, and genuine affection for its quirky inhabitants.
Gordon and Lieberman craft a narrative that feels as real as it does surreal, a nod to their influences, namely Christopher Guest's "Waiting for Guffman" and "Best in Show". Most of the dialogue and beat-for-beat moments are improvised, adding to the madcap insanity derived from the disarray inherent in the campers' and counselors' fervent eccentricities. Yet, despite the constant jest, the humor never punches down. Instead, it offers an invitation to the audience to revel in the delightful absurdity of the world of youth theater.
In a notable turn of events, the Camp's beloved founder Joan, played with comedic brilliance by Amy Sedaris, is left comatose after what we soon learn is “the first Bye Bye Birdie–related injury in the history of Passaic County.” This misfortune thrusts her hapless, social media-obsessed son Troy (a hilarious Jimmy Tatro) into the camp's driver's seat. Tatro's performance is a comedic tour-de-force, infusing his character with a unique blend of cluelessness and endearing ambition, heightening the film's inherent humor.
What is truly spectacular about "Theater Camp" is its cast's heartfelt performances. Ben Platt and Molly Gordon, as the acting and music teachers Amos and Rebecca-Diane, offer comedic and dramatic gravitas. Their dedication to the campers and the ambitious endeavor to stage a tribute to Joan, called 'Joan, Still,' is charmingly sincere, a testament to their skill as performers.
Each character in this ensemble piece is a source of comedy, but the film skillfully avoids making them caricatures. Rather than exploit their peculiarities, "Theater Camp" celebrates them. The sincerity of the performers, coupled with the empathetic direction, allows the audience to care deeply for these characters, laughing with them rather than at them.
The film, which made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023, was well-received, and its buzz continued to build at the SXSW Film Festival. With its wide release on July 28, 2023, more audiences will have the opportunity to witness the joyous pandemonium of Camp AdirondACTS.
"Theater Camp" is a love letter to the world of theater, brimming with hilarious moments and an endearing cast of characters. Despite the often chaotic and hilarious antics of the campers and counselors, the film never loses sight of the underlying warmth and community that makes the theater, and Camp AdirondACTS in particular, so special. Its ultimate triumph lies in its ability to not only make the audience laugh, but also in inviting them into the eccentric, charming world of theater, offering an insightful, affectionate look into a microcosm that so often only gets played for laughs.
4 out of 5 Bear Paws