The Trolls are back! Long-lost siblings reunite and troll magic faces a new obstacle in “Trolls Band Together.” Dynamic duo Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) embark on a new adventure to get Branch’s brothers’ boy band — Brozone — back together to save Floyd (Troye Sivan) from two wannabe superstar singers who secretly leech off of Floyd’s talent.
John Dory (Eric André) catalyzes the reunion of Brozone, who broke up over creative differences when Branch was a baby. The other two brothers — Clay and Spruce — must be tracked down to save Floyd from losing all of his talent to Velvet (Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Andrew Rannells).
An epic soundtrack, complete with a new *Nsync song as well as renditions of old classics and the addition of Camilla Cabello’s voice awaits adventurers ready for “Trolls 3.”
Here are all the songs in “Trolls Band Together”:
*Nsync Trolls-style...
John Dory (Eric André) catalyzes the reunion of Brozone, who broke up over creative differences when Branch was a baby. The other two brothers — Clay and Spruce — must be tracked down to save Floyd from losing all of his talent to Velvet (Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Andrew Rannells).
An epic soundtrack, complete with a new *Nsync song as well as renditions of old classics and the addition of Camilla Cabello’s voice awaits adventurers ready for “Trolls 3.”
Here are all the songs in “Trolls Band Together”:
*Nsync Trolls-style...
- 11/17/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Forty years ago, writer James L. Brooks made one of the most impressive directorial debuts in film history when he brought Larry McMurtry‘s novel “Terms of Endearment” to the screen. Although he had forged a successful career in television, creating classic sitcoms like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Taxi” and writing the fine Burt Reynolds-Jill Clayburgh romance “Starting Over,” nothing on Brooks’ résumé prepared audiences for the delicate tonal balance of “Terms,” a comedy about the relationship between a mother (Shirley MacLaine) and daughter (Debra Winger) that culminates in the daughter being diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Cancer might not seem like the raw material for wall-to-wall laughs, but that’s exactly what “Terms” provides — and even when the movie goes dark in its final act, Brooks never wanted to lose sight of that initial intention. “It was essential to me in every way you can use the...
Cancer might not seem like the raw material for wall-to-wall laughs, but that’s exactly what “Terms” provides — and even when the movie goes dark in its final act, Brooks never wanted to lose sight of that initial intention. “It was essential to me in every way you can use the...
- 11/10/2023
- by Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
And here’s one for the theater nerds.
In 1988, blood pumped hot on Broadway when a musical adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie splashed across the stage. Created and composed by Dean Pitchford, Michael Gore, and Og Carrie screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen, the musical was big on ideas but low on white-glove appeal — after a brief run in the U.K., it closed on Broadway after just 16 previews and five regular performances. Critics had a field day ripping the show to shreds and in 1991 it found itself the centerpiece of a book about Broadway flops. Poor Carrie, a laughingstock all over again.
Over the next several decades, however, bootleg recordings of the musical made the rounds and a passionate cult sprung to life. All that persevering interest culminated in 2012 when an Off-Broadway theater brought together the original creators to rework the show. Since that production, the odd project’s found...
In 1988, blood pumped hot on Broadway when a musical adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie splashed across the stage. Created and composed by Dean Pitchford, Michael Gore, and Og Carrie screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen, the musical was big on ideas but low on white-glove appeal — after a brief run in the U.K., it closed on Broadway after just 16 previews and five regular performances. Critics had a field day ripping the show to shreds and in 1991 it found itself the centerpiece of a book about Broadway flops. Poor Carrie, a laughingstock all over again.
Over the next several decades, however, bootleg recordings of the musical made the rounds and a passionate cult sprung to life. All that persevering interest culminated in 2012 when an Off-Broadway theater brought together the original creators to rework the show. Since that production, the odd project’s found...
- 6/16/2023
- by Randall Colburn
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Oscar-winning singer and actor Irene Cara has died at the age of 63. Best known for singing the theme songs for "Fame" and "Flashdance," which launched her to public recognition in the '80s, the performer's death was announced by her publicist, Judith A. Moose, on Twitter (via Variety). The cause of death is currently unknown.
Growing up in the Bronx, Cara's parents picked up on her musical talents and encouraged them. "I started working — singing and dancing with my father's band in nightclubs by the time I was seven years old. I even did my first few albums as a child," Cara shared in an interview with Songwriter Universe. "By the time I was nine, I had an album out in Spanish and another one with the Harlem Children's Choir where we sang Christmas carols."
She started out on the PBS children's show "The Electric Company" and the Broadway show,...
Growing up in the Bronx, Cara's parents picked up on her musical talents and encouraged them. "I started working — singing and dancing with my father's band in nightclubs by the time I was seven years old. I even did my first few albums as a child," Cara shared in an interview with Songwriter Universe. "By the time I was nine, I had an album out in Spanish and another one with the Harlem Children's Choir where we sang Christmas carols."
She started out on the PBS children's show "The Electric Company" and the Broadway show,...
- 11/26/2022
- by Sarah Musnicky
- Slash Film
Irene Cara, the Oscar-winning singer and actor who rocketed to pop stardom singing the title tracks to “Fame” and “Flashdance,” had died at age 63. Her publicist, Judith A. Moose, announced the news on social media, writing that a cause of death is “currently unknown.”
“Irene’s family has requested privacy as they process their grief,” Moose wrote. “She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.”
Cara first came to prominence playing Coco Hernandez, a student at the High School of Performing Arts, which is now known as Fiorello H. Laguardia High School, with ambitions of becoming a star. Not only did Cara act in the film, she also recorded the film’s title song “Fame.” That track would go on to be nominated for an Academy Award for best original song, as would “Out Here on My Own,” another number from “Fame” that was sung by Cara.
“Irene’s family has requested privacy as they process their grief,” Moose wrote. “She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.”
Cara first came to prominence playing Coco Hernandez, a student at the High School of Performing Arts, which is now known as Fiorello H. Laguardia High School, with ambitions of becoming a star. Not only did Cara act in the film, she also recorded the film’s title song “Fame.” That track would go on to be nominated for an Academy Award for best original song, as would “Out Here on My Own,” another number from “Fame” that was sung by Cara.
- 11/26/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Albert Brooks’ most entertaining picture is still about modern anxieties, but this time seen through a satirical ‘film blanc’ filter. Neurotic ad man Daniel has a bad encounter with a bus and finds himself in a bizarre Heavenly Waiting Room for the Afterlife … except that it’s an entirely different system than that of St. Peter — he’s judged not for his sins or lack of faith, but his character and courage. This stopping-off point to a new life is plenty disconcerting for Daniel, especially when he meets the woman of his dreams (Meryl Streep). The judges practically applaud her exemplary, near-perfect life. How can Daniel ever compete? Criterion’s extras give us a genuine theologian’s analysis of Brooks’ astute afterlife comedy.
Defending Your Life
Blu-ray
The Criterion Collection 1071
1991 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 111 min. / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date March 30, 2021 / 39.95
Starring: Albert Brooks, Meryl Streep, Rip Torn, Lee Grant,...
Defending Your Life
Blu-ray
The Criterion Collection 1071
1991 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 111 min. / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date March 30, 2021 / 39.95
Starring: Albert Brooks, Meryl Streep, Rip Torn, Lee Grant,...
- 4/20/2021
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The pandemic has had a huge impact on the entertainment industry, including the rescheduling of the 2021 Academy Awards ceremony from February 28 to April 25 — but this isn’t the first time an historic event has caused a change of date for the annual event. On the afternoon of March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot and seriously injured, prompting the Academy to delay the ceremony. Fortunately, by the next day, the president was on his way to recovery, and the show was able to proceed.
Johnny Carson, hosting for the third year in a row, referred to the delay and near tragedy in his opening remarks: “That old adage ‘the show must go on’ seemed relatively unimportant.” Reagan not only offered his blessing for the event to go on, but had weeks before pre-taped a monologue to kickstart the ceremony. It was a solemn opening, leading into one of Oscar’s more lackluster events,...
Johnny Carson, hosting for the third year in a row, referred to the delay and near tragedy in his opening remarks: “That old adage ‘the show must go on’ seemed relatively unimportant.” Reagan not only offered his blessing for the event to go on, but had weeks before pre-taped a monologue to kickstart the ceremony. It was a solemn opening, leading into one of Oscar’s more lackluster events,...
- 2/4/2021
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
Today in 1988, Carrie opened at the Virginia Theatre now the August Wilson Theatre, where it ran for 5 performances. Carrie The Musical is a musical with a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore. Adapted from Stephen King's novel Carrie, it focuses on an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers whose lonely life is dominated by an oppressive religious fanatic mother. When she is humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she wreaks havoc on everyone and everything in her path.
- 5/12/2016
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
Put down your buckets of pig's blood kids, it will not end well for you. In this round-up, we have a Q&A with Emily Lopez from Carrie the Musical which opens on October 8th. Also: more details from Screamfest 2015, From Dusk Till Dawn season 2, and Shawn Scott's novel Apocalypse Swordsman.
Carrie the Musical Q&A: Press Release: "(Los Angeles, CA – August 19, 2015) Producers Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman and The Transfer Group have announced that Carrie The Musical will return to Los Angeles at the historic Los Angeles Theater, the first theatrical musical at that venue.
Tickets are available beginning Monday, August 24th at www.ExperienceCarrie.com. Carrie The Musical begins previews on October 1, 2015, and officially opens on October 8, 2015. Performances are on sale through November 22.
Directed by Brady Schwind and choreographed by Lee Martino, this immersive staging of Carrie takes the legendary musical off the stage and...
Carrie the Musical Q&A: Press Release: "(Los Angeles, CA – August 19, 2015) Producers Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman and The Transfer Group have announced that Carrie The Musical will return to Los Angeles at the historic Los Angeles Theater, the first theatrical musical at that venue.
Tickets are available beginning Monday, August 24th at www.ExperienceCarrie.com. Carrie The Musical begins previews on October 1, 2015, and officially opens on October 8, 2015. Performances are on sale through November 22.
Directed by Brady Schwind and choreographed by Lee Martino, this immersive staging of Carrie takes the legendary musical off the stage and...
- 9/25/2015
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Last night, acclaimed 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 that could potentially be presented 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 addiiton 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 himself promises at least one showstopper to match the ones in the first film, relaying, 'We're going to introduce some fabulous new additions,...
- 6/17/2015
- by Pat Cerasaro
- BroadwayWorld.com
Today in 1988, Carrie opened at the Virginia Theatre now the August Wilson Theatre, where it ran for 5 performances. Carrie The Musical is a musical with a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore. Adapted from Stephen King's novel Carrie, it focuses on an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers whose lonely life is dominated by an oppressive religious fanatic mother. When she is humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she wreaks havoc on everyone and everything in her path.
- 5/12/2015
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
Got blood? For its upcoming production of Carrie: The Musical, Southeast L.A.’s La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts plans to convert its space on La Mirada Boulevard into Ewan High School. The “immersive theater” event will put audience members at the center of the action. Producers Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman, and The Transfer Group are mounting the environmental staging, beginning March 12, 2015, with an official opening night set for March 18, 2015.
Based on the Stephen King novel, the musical is by the 1976 film’s original screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen, with music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (Fame, Terms Of Endearment), and lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose). Brady Schwind will stage the show, with choreography by Imara Quinonez.
“The story of Carrie has endured in the popular consciousness for decades, but no one has ever experienced it from this point of view,...
Based on the Stephen King novel, the musical is by the 1976 film’s original screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen, with music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (Fame, Terms Of Endearment), and lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose). Brady Schwind will stage the show, with choreography by Imara Quinonez.
“The story of Carrie has endured in the popular consciousness for decades, but no one has ever experienced it from this point of view,...
- 8/15/2014
- by Jeremy Gerard
- Deadline
Studio 2ndStage's final production of the 2013-2014 season is the edgy and strangely charming Carrie The Musical, co-directed by Studio 2ndStage Artistic Director Keith Alan Baker and Jacob Janssen. From Lawrence D. Cohen,Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford, 2ndStage's Carrie stars Tony Award nominee Barbara Walsh as Carrie's mother, Margaret White, with Emily Zickler making her Studio Theatre debut playing the titular role. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action...
- 7/14/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Studio 2ndStage's final production of the 2013-2014 season is the edgy and strangely charming Carrie The Musical, co-directed by Studio 2ndStage Artistic Director Keith Alan Baker and Jacob Janssen. From Lawrence D. Cohen, Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford, 2ndStage's Carrie stars Tony Award nominee Barbara Walsh as Carrie's mother, Margaret White, with Emily Zickler making her Studio Theatre debut playing the titular role. Scroll down for a look at the mother-daughter duo...
- 7/9/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Studio 2ndStage's final production of the 2013-2014 season is the edgy and strangely charming Carrie The Musical, co-directed by Studio 2ndStage Artistic Director Keith Alan Baker and Jacob Janssen. From Lawrence D. Cohen, Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford, 2ndStage's Carrie stars Tony Award nominee Barbara Walsh as Carrie's mother, Margaret White, with Emily Zickler making her Studio Theatre debut playing the titular role. Scroll down for a first look at the mother-daughter duo...
- 7/3/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Whoa, there! Brittny Gastineau stepped out in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 10, with a massive black eye after getting into a physical altercation with Marquis Lewis, a famous street artist who goes by the name Retna, Us Weekly has learned. In an interview with Us, Lewis' attorney Michael Goldstein explains the artist checked in to the London Hotel in West Hollywood on Tuesday, June 3, after undergoing major reconstructive knee surgery on Monday, June 2. "Brittny visited him last Tuesday, the day he checked in," Goldstein said, [...]...
- 6/12/2014
- Us Weekly
The man who allegedly viciously attacked Brittny Gastineau was himself badly injured during their altercation ... and his lawyer tells TMZ it was a case of mutual combat.Marquis Lewis -- a famous street artist who goes by the name Retna -- was dating Brittny. He had checked into the London Hotel in West Hollywood a week ago Monday to recuperate from major knee surgery -- surgery that had just been performed.Retna's lawyer, Michael Goldstein,...
- 6/11/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Chicago – Some people spend the rest of their lives trying to compensate for slights felt in high school – that social jungle is staged in “Carrie: The Musical.” Based on Stephen King’s novel, the story of Carrie White is presented as an adversarial tale by Bailiwick Chicago at Victory Gardens Theater.
Play Rating: 4.0/5.0
Say the words “Carrie: The Musical” and the first reaction might be a preparation for a campy romp. The Stephen King story is best remembered in the Brian De Palma film of 1976, starring Sissy Spacek. Although the film is serious, the disco-era styles and graphic ending of that version could easily be sent up. But this stage adaptation – in what began as a 1988 straightforward Broadway musical – is more interested in exploring the bullying torture of the main character, and the consequences for her persecutors. This Carrie is serious business about high school rejection, and is brought together...
Play Rating: 4.0/5.0
Say the words “Carrie: The Musical” and the first reaction might be a preparation for a campy romp. The Stephen King story is best remembered in the Brian De Palma film of 1976, starring Sissy Spacek. Although the film is serious, the disco-era styles and graphic ending of that version could easily be sent up. But this stage adaptation – in what began as a 1988 straightforward Broadway musical – is more interested in exploring the bullying torture of the main character, and the consequences for her persecutors. This Carrie is serious business about high school rejection, and is brought together...
- 6/5/2014
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Today in 1988, Carrie opened at the Virginia Theatre now the August Wilson Theatre, where it ran for 5 performances. Carrie The Musical is a musical with a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore. Adapted from Stephen King's novel Carrie, it focuses on an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers whose lonely life is dominated by an oppressive religious fanatic mother. When she is humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she wreaks havoc on everyone and everything in her path.
- 5/12/2014
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
Bailiwick Chicago Theater has just announced its 2013-14 Season, featuring two stunning musicals in their Chicago premieres. In March 2014, Artistic Director Lili-Anne Brown directs an intimate production of the stirring musical drama Dessa Rose by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the Tony Award-winning team behind Ragtime, Once on This Island and Seussical, with music direction by Collective Member James Morehead. Immediately following in May 2014 comes a unique resurrection of the 1988 musical Carrie with book by original screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Academy Award-winner Dean Pitchford, music by Academy Award-winner Michael Gore, directed by Collective Member Christopher Pazdernik with music direction by Collective Member Aaron Benham. The 2013-14 Season also marks Bailiwick Chicago's participation in Victory Gardens Theater's inaugural Resident Theater Program. Tickets for the 2013-14 Season will go on sale at a later date.
- 9/11/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Stephen King's first bestselling novel has seen its share of adaptations over the years... you already know about the new film version headed to theaters this fall, which will mark the third feature-length Carrie to date, along with Brian De Palma's 1976 classic and the 2002 TV movie. What you may not know, however, is that Carrie was also turned into a Broadway musical in 1988 – a show which famously flopped in its initial run. But since last year, Carrie: The Musical is experiencing quite a rebirth, with dozens of revivals popping up all around the world, including this ambitious new production in the Philippines. Staged by Atlantis Productions, this version will again feature original music by Michael Gore and lyrics by Dean Pitchford (both known for their work on the classic show Fame), and the story is adapted by Lawrence D. Cohen, who also wrote the screenplay for the 1976 film.
- 8/13/2013
- by Gregory Burkart
- FEARnet
The City of Angels will be getting itself one hell of a devil appearing on stage as Carrie: The Musical is prepping to make its Los Angeles premiere this fall. From its infamous roots in the pantheon of terror, you've never seen a musical quite like this..,
Look for it September of 2013. Click here for details.
Twenty-five years after its spellbinding premiere shocked critics and audiences from London to New York, Carrie, the most legendary Broadway musical of all time, comes to Los Angeles for the very first time.
Based on the classic horror novel by Stephen King, and featuring a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (Fame, Terms of Endearment), and lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose), Carrie spins a classic tale of bloodsport and revenge.
A misfit at school, terrorized by her holier-than-thou mother at home,...
Look for it September of 2013. Click here for details.
Twenty-five years after its spellbinding premiere shocked critics and audiences from London to New York, Carrie, the most legendary Broadway musical of all time, comes to Los Angeles for the very first time.
Based on the classic horror novel by Stephen King, and featuring a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (Fame, Terms of Endearment), and lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose), Carrie spins a classic tale of bloodsport and revenge.
A misfit at school, terrorized by her holier-than-thou mother at home,...
- 3/13/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Ghostlight Records has just announced that Carrie The Musical Premiere Cast Recording has debuted atop the Billboard Top Broadway Chart for the week ending September 30th. The official chart lists Carrie The Musical as the 1 selling album of the week, followed by in order of sales Wicked, Bring It On, The Book of Mormon, Once, and Jersey Boys, all shows still running on Broadway, making Carries appearance atop the chart a rare feat. Released on Tuesday, September 25th, the immediate chart success of Carrie The Musical signals the enduring qualities of its 2012 production at McC Theater which closed its celebrated run in April 2012 and the dynamic score with music by Academy Award-winner Michael Gore Fame, Terms of Endearment, lyrics by Academy Award-winner Dean Pitchford Fame, Footloose, and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, who also penned the films screenplay.
- 10/4/2012
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
The legendary stage musical Carrie will soon be available for licensing from RampH Theatricals, and its score will be published by Imagem Music, each a division of the Imagem Music Group. Based on Stephen King's best-selling novel, Carrie features music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore Fame, Terms of Endearment, lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford Fame, Footloose, and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen screenwriter of the classic film.
- 5/15/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Today in 1988, Carrie opened at the Virginia Theatre now the August Wilson Theatre, where it ran for 5 performances. Carrie The Musical is a musical with a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore. Adapted from Stephen King's novel Carrie, it focuses on an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers whose lonely life is dominated by an oppressive religious fanatic mother. When she is humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she wreaks havoc on everyone and everything in her path.
- 5/12/2012
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
Ghostlight Records this week went into the recording studio with the cast of Carrie, to record the first-ever cast album. Release dates for the album will be announced at a later time. The cast recording of Carrie will be produced by the show's composer Michael Gore alongside multi-Grammy Award-winner Joel Moss, with Ghostlight Records' Kurt Deutsch serving as Executive Producer.Check out photos from the recording session below...
- 4/19/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
After reading some less than stellar reviews for the Off Broadway Carrie stage play reboot, we weren't exactly expecting it to move on and light up Broadway, but the news of its demise two weeks ahead of schedule did come as a bit of a surprise.
Per The NY Times, Carrie closed as a result of poor ticket sales after the show opened to mixed to negative reviews. The production by McC Theater did not earn all its money back. A cast album recording — a theatrical measure of success — has not been announced, though one is said to be in the works. And while the creators are emphatic that a Broadway transfer was never their hope, Broadway buzz is still a benchmark of any successful Off Broadway show, and in this case the silence was deafening.
Per the customs of New York theater, none of the producers would speak on...
Per The NY Times, Carrie closed as a result of poor ticket sales after the show opened to mixed to negative reviews. The production by McC Theater did not earn all its money back. A cast album recording — a theatrical measure of success — has not been announced, though one is said to be in the works. And while the creators are emphatic that a Broadway transfer was never their hope, Broadway buzz is still a benchmark of any successful Off Broadway show, and in this case the silence was deafening.
Per the customs of New York theater, none of the producers would speak on...
- 4/10/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
Hollywood’s budding love affair with Broadway just continues to grow, doesn’t it? Justin Long is set to join Jeff Goldblum in the comedy Seminar when the Alan Rickman-led cast exits on April 1. Brad Pitt joined the star-studded reading of 8, the Proposition 8 play by Dustin Lance Black which already includes names like Clooney and Sheen (Martin, not Charlie). Beloved book-turned-children’s film Matilda is headed to Broadway following an acclaimed run in London’s West End. Even Hollywood insiders got in on the action with the opening of Assistance (pictured above), an Off Broadway play penned by Harvey Weinstein...
- 3/3/2012
- by Marc Snetiker
- EW.com - PopWatch
The last time the musical version of Stephen Kings seminal 1974 novel Carrie was on Broadway the experience ended in a bloodbath for almost all concerned - critically, that is. You see, back in 1988, the mere idea that a creative team had set out to musicalize this gruesome high school horror story was met with vocal distaste and incredulous looks by many on Broadway who had heard about the then-gestating show, currently in its Stratford tryout production over the pond, under the auspices of the Royal Shakespeare Company and featuring a bicoastal cast led by Broadway legend Barbara Cook, no less. Despite mixed reviews and some clear-cut directorial issues overseas, the production moved to Broadway, anyway, except with superstar Cats Tony Award winner Betty Buckley in the role of Margaret White. The rest, as we now know, is history. Frank Rich and the critical community had a field day with the grand opera-meets-grease-style show,...
- 2/18/2012
- by Pat Cerasaro
- BroadwayWorld.com
It isn't often, but when opportunities like this come along, we wish we lived closer to New York City. Carrie has returned to the stage in a newly revised Off-Broadway production that began January 31, and to help make up for the fact that many of us won't be able to see it, we have a trio of stills to share.
Playbill provided the photos, which feature Molly Ranson in the title role, opposite Tony Award nominee Marin Mazzie as her religiously fanatical mother, Margaret White.
Stafford Arima helms the latest incarnation of the pop musical that has been retooled by the original writers, who have refined the focus of the story, including lyric rewrites and several new songs. Carrie has a score by Academy Award winner Michael Gore and Academy Award-winning lyricist Dean Pitchford and a book by original film screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen. It officially opens March 1st and...
Playbill provided the photos, which feature Molly Ranson in the title role, opposite Tony Award nominee Marin Mazzie as her religiously fanatical mother, Margaret White.
Stafford Arima helms the latest incarnation of the pop musical that has been retooled by the original writers, who have refined the focus of the story, including lyric rewrites and several new songs. Carrie has a score by Academy Award winner Michael Gore and Academy Award-winning lyricist Dean Pitchford and a book by original film screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen. It officially opens March 1st and...
- 2/11/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
We've been talking about Carrie The Musical for quite some time here on Dread Central, and with its premiere date of January 31st creeping up on us, the McC Theater has dropped some eye candy and more!
Based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, the musical of Carrie hasn't been seen since its legendary 1988 Broadway production. Now, the show's original authors have joined with director Stafford Arima (Altar Boyz) and McC Theater for a newly reworked and fully re-imagined vision of this gripping tale. Set today, in the small town of Chamberlain, Maine, Carrie features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (Fame, Terms of Endearment), and lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose).
The cast is led by Tony Award nominee Marin Mazzie (Next to Normal, Kiss Me Kate) as Carrie's evangelical mother, Margaret White, and Molly Ranson (Jerusalem,...
Based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, the musical of Carrie hasn't been seen since its legendary 1988 Broadway production. Now, the show's original authors have joined with director Stafford Arima (Altar Boyz) and McC Theater for a newly reworked and fully re-imagined vision of this gripping tale. Set today, in the small town of Chamberlain, Maine, Carrie features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (Fame, Terms of Endearment), and lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose).
The cast is led by Tony Award nominee Marin Mazzie (Next to Normal, Kiss Me Kate) as Carrie's evangelical mother, Margaret White, and Molly Ranson (Jerusalem,...
- 1/26/2012
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
McC Theater has just announced another all-star line-up for the companys highly anticipated annual gala, to be held Monday, March 26, 2012 at The Hammerstein Ballroom 311 West 34th Street. Miscast 2012 will honor the creators of Carrie, Academy Award-winning composer Michael Gore Fame, Terms of Endearment, Academy Award-winning lyricist Dean Pitchford Fame, Footloose and Writer Lawrence D. Cohen screenwriter of the classic film, Carrie for their bold, daring, risk-taking spirit. Funds raised from Miscast help McC Theater produce some of the most talked-about new work Off Broadway and support their Youth Company and in-school partnerships that serve New York City public high school students, as well as their literary development work with emerging playwrights.
- 1/25/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
McC Theater is presenting the newly reworked and fully re-imagined production of Carrie, the musical, which features music by Michael Gore, lyrics by Dean Pitchford Academy Award winning composer and lyricist for the original film Fame and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen who also adapted the 1974 novel by Stephen King for the 1976 Brian DePalma film. Directed by Stafford Arima, performances for Carrie begin January 31, 2012, at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. The official opening night is set for March 1, 2012. Click below to hear from director Stafford Arima...
- 12/21/2011
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
McC Theater is presenting the newly reworked and fully re-imagined production of Carrie, the musical, which features music by Michael Gore, lyrics by Dean Pitchford Academy Award winning composer and lyricist for the original film Fame and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen who also adapted the 1974 novel by Stephen King for the 1976 Brian DePalma film. Directed by Stafford Arima, performances for Carrie begin January 31, 2012, at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. The official opening night is set for March 1, 2012. Today, the company met the press and BroadwayWorld brings you photo coverage below...
- 12/9/2011
- by Walter McBride
- BroadwayWorld.com
McC Theater presents the newly reworked and fully re-imagined production of Carrie, the musical, which features music by Michael Gore, lyrics by Dean Pitchford Academy Award winning composer and lyricist for the original film Fame and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen who also adapted the 1974 novel by Stephen King for the 1976 Brian DePalma film. Directed by Stafford Arima, performances for Carrie begin January 31, 2012, at the Lucille Lortel Theatre 121 Christopher Street, NYC. The official opening night is set for March 1, 2012. Check out the just-released promo art for the show below...
- 12/5/2011
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
With performances beginning on January 31, 2012, it was inevitable that word would start trickling out regarding the final casting lineup for Carrie, the newly reworked and re-imagined production of the short-lived 1988 Broadway musical being performed at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Today we bring you the full cast and crew for director Stafford Arima's Carrie, which opens officially on March 1st.
Per Broadway.com joining previously announced stars Marin Mazzie (as Carrie’s mother, Margaret) and Molly Ranson (in the title role) are Christy Altomare, Carmen Cusack, Jeanna de Waal, Derek Klena, Ben Thompson, Wayne Wilcox, Corey Boardman, Blair Goldberg, F. Michael Haynie, Andy Mientus, Elly Noble, and Jen Sese.
Synopsis:
Carrie White is a misfit. At school she's an outcast who's bullied by the popular crowd and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home she's at the mercy of her loving but cruelly over-protective mother. But Carrie's just discovered she's got a special power,...
Per Broadway.com joining previously announced stars Marin Mazzie (as Carrie’s mother, Margaret) and Molly Ranson (in the title role) are Christy Altomare, Carmen Cusack, Jeanna de Waal, Derek Klena, Ben Thompson, Wayne Wilcox, Corey Boardman, Blair Goldberg, F. Michael Haynie, Andy Mientus, Elly Noble, and Jen Sese.
Synopsis:
Carrie White is a misfit. At school she's an outcast who's bullied by the popular crowd and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home she's at the mercy of her loving but cruelly over-protective mother. But Carrie's just discovered she's got a special power,...
- 11/22/2011
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
McC Theater has announced the complete cast for the newly reworked and fully re-imagined production of Carrie, the musical. Carrie features music by Michael Gore, lyrics by Dean Pitchford Academy Award winning composer and lyricist for the original film Fame and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen who also adapted the 1974 novel by Stephen King for the 1976 Brian DePalma film. Directed by Stafford Arima, performances for Carrie begin January 31, 2012, at the Lucille Lortel Theatre 121 Christopher Street, NYC. The official opening night is set for March 1, 2012.
- 11/21/2011
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
In this week’s Music in the Movies, Glen takes a timely look back at John Williams’ classic scores for the original Star Wars trilogy...
John Williams is a composer who over the years has earned a reputation as one of the finest of his generation. A long working relationship with Spielberg (previously explored in two instalments of this very column), and his prolific output has helped to cement his deserved renown. Now approaching his 80s, his workrate has understandably slowed, but his body of music speaks for itself. And for many, his contribution to the Star Wars franchise marks the high point of his career.
With the Star Wars saga recently making its Blu-ray debut, I though it appropriate to look at and appreciate each of his scores for the series. This first instalment will look at the original trilogy, and a look at the prequels will follow next week.
John Williams is a composer who over the years has earned a reputation as one of the finest of his generation. A long working relationship with Spielberg (previously explored in two instalments of this very column), and his prolific output has helped to cement his deserved renown. Now approaching his 80s, his workrate has understandably slowed, but his body of music speaks for itself. And for many, his contribution to the Star Wars franchise marks the high point of his career.
With the Star Wars saga recently making its Blu-ray debut, I though it appropriate to look at and appreciate each of his scores for the series. This first instalment will look at the original trilogy, and a look at the prequels will follow next week.
- 9/12/2011
- Den of Geek
They're all gonna sing with you! They're all gonna sing with you! They're all gonna sing with you! And they will too if they know what's good for them. That's right, kids! Carrie: The Musical is returning to the New York stage and we've got all the info for you!
From the Press Release
McC Theater will present Revisiting Carrie, a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of McC Theater's upcoming production of the musical Carrie, on August 1, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street, NYC). The show's creators - bookwriter Lawrence D. Cohen, composer Michael Gore and lyricist Dean Pitchford, along with director Stafford Arima - will discuss the exciting process of revisiting and reimagining this legendary musical, which McC Theater is producing as part of its 2011-2012 mainstage season. Throughout the evening, Molly Ranson (Carrie), Marin Mazzie (Carrie's mother, Margaret), and other cast...
From the Press Release
McC Theater will present Revisiting Carrie, a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of McC Theater's upcoming production of the musical Carrie, on August 1, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street, NYC). The show's creators - bookwriter Lawrence D. Cohen, composer Michael Gore and lyricist Dean Pitchford, along with director Stafford Arima - will discuss the exciting process of revisiting and reimagining this legendary musical, which McC Theater is producing as part of its 2011-2012 mainstage season. Throughout the evening, Molly Ranson (Carrie), Marin Mazzie (Carrie's mother, Margaret), and other cast...
- 6/17/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
And here we go again. Carrie the Musical is returning to the New York stage, this time Off Broadway at the McC Theater with preview performances set to begin on January 31, 2012. Director Stafford Arima has overhauled the 1988 version with its original creators, with the book (then and now) by Lawrence D. Cohen, music by Michael Gore, and lyrics by Dean Pitchford.
It was in late 2009 when we last heard rumblings of the play making a reappearance after its disastrous 1988 Broadway production, which closed after sixteen previews and five regular performances in the face of terrible reviews. The new production — described by McC Theater as reworked, reimagined, and set in the present day — is the first professional mounting of Carrie since the 1988 run. Per The NY Times Arima has said that the dialogue and narrative structure of Carrie 2012 will be revamped and about half of the songs will be different.
The...
It was in late 2009 when we last heard rumblings of the play making a reappearance after its disastrous 1988 Broadway production, which closed after sixteen previews and five regular performances in the face of terrible reviews. The new production — described by McC Theater as reworked, reimagined, and set in the present day — is the first professional mounting of Carrie since the 1988 run. Per The NY Times Arima has said that the dialogue and narrative structure of Carrie 2012 will be revamped and about half of the songs will be different.
The...
- 6/1/2011
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
There is an awful lot of buzz going around in casting the role of Carrie, the bullied teen with psychokinetic powers, based on the Stephen King novel. We have been a bit preoccupied with who might make a good replacement for Sissy Spacek's original role, but there is another remake in the works that has already found its Carrie: the Broadway musical version. More after the jump. I guess on the stage it isn't a "remake;" it is a "retooling." Carrie was a notorious Broadway flop, opening in 1988 and closing after a mere five performances. Director Stafford Arima has been reworking show with original bookwriter Lawrence D. Cohen, composer Michael Gore, and lyricist Dean Pitchford. Cast in the titular...
- 6/1/2011
- FEARnet
A song-and-dance version of Stephen King’s Carrie hasn’t been mounted professionally anywhere in the world since May 1988, when its big-budget Broadway production earned scathing reviews and flamed out after only three nights and five performances. But now legendary telekinetic Carrie White will officially be back on the boards next year at off-Broadway’s Lucille Lortel Theater in a long-awaited new “fully re-imagined vision” by the original book, music, and lyrics writers (Lawrence D. Cohen, Michael Gore, and Dean Pitchford, respectively), in collaboration with Altar Boyz director Stafford Arima and McC Theater. McC, which first confirmed plans for the...
- 6/1/2011
- by Aubry D'Arminio
- EW.com - PopWatch
In January it was announced [1] that The Social Network producers Scott Rudin, Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti would reteam to produce an adaptation of author Ben Mezrich's (who wrote The Accidental Billionaires, upon which The Social Network was based) new book proposal Sex on the Moon: The Amazing Story Behind the Most Audacious Heist in History. A director has been hired to bring the book to the big screen. The Los Angeles Times [2] is reporting that Easy A/Friends with Benefits director Will Gluck is in talks to helm the film adaptation. It's one of those stories that sounds too crazy to actually be true, but it is. The story follows a Nasa employee who stole and attempted to sell pieces of the moon, in part to impress his girlfriend. Previously from Russ: The subject is Thad Roberts, once a young scientist at Nasa. With the help of a college friend,...
- 3/24/2011
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
In light of The Social Network's Oscar win for Best Original Score, here's Glen's appreciation of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' work...
There were many fantastic scores released in 2010, many of which weren't considered during awards season. But the fact that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross won the BAFTA, Golden Globe and the Academy Award for Best Original Score is quite an achievement.
Best original score is a suitable label for this contribution by Reznor and Ross, who have shied away from the conventional approach and worked within a system that they're both familiar with, having collaborated with each other a number of times in the past on other, non-movie-related projects.
For me, The Social Network had the most original and cohesive score of last year and the one that exceeded my expectations. I feel that Nigel Godrich attempted something for Scott Pilgrim Vs The World that had moments of interest,...
There were many fantastic scores released in 2010, many of which weren't considered during awards season. But the fact that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross won the BAFTA, Golden Globe and the Academy Award for Best Original Score is quite an achievement.
Best original score is a suitable label for this contribution by Reznor and Ross, who have shied away from the conventional approach and worked within a system that they're both familiar with, having collaborated with each other a number of times in the past on other, non-movie-related projects.
For me, The Social Network had the most original and cohesive score of last year and the one that exceeded my expectations. I feel that Nigel Godrich attempted something for Scott Pilgrim Vs The World that had moments of interest,...
- 3/14/2011
- Den of Geek
As soon as James Franco and Anne Hathaway take the stage for tonight’s 83rd annual Academy Awards, I’ll be hanging on every quip, feasting on every shot of a gorgeous celebrity, and waiting in anticipation for another class of films to be crowned. I’ve watched every telecast for the last 27 years, which is more than some people, less than others. But tonight will be the first Oscar show for someone else, maybe some kid who saw How to Train Your Dragon six times in the theater or some young girl who discovered Johnny Depp on the screen...
- 2/27/2011
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW.com - PopWatch
A blood-drenched young woman who immediately morphs from prom queen to telekinetic murderer is not the sort of fare that usually inspires musicals. Nevertheless, Brian De Palma's Carrie found its way into a song and dance production back in 1988. But it was no Evil Dead: The Musical ... it was a disaster. First, there was a a stint in Stratford that lasted three weeks. Then, five performances on Broadway. Just five -- the cheers mixed with plentiful booing and terrible reviews until it closed after a handful of shows -- thus becoming one of the most expensive flops in history.
I don't know if it's because Fame is in the air, and the production was choreographed by Debbie Allen and worked on by Dean Pitchford, but Variety reports that producers are bringing together a 29-hour Equity reading of the flop. The creators -- composer Michael Gore, lyricist Pitchford, and...
I don't know if it's because Fame is in the air, and the production was choreographed by Debbie Allen and worked on by Dean Pitchford, but Variety reports that producers are bringing together a 29-hour Equity reading of the flop. The creators -- composer Michael Gore, lyricist Pitchford, and...
- 10/19/2009
- by Monika Bartyzel
- Cinematical
"Fame" is back on the big screen! Now "Extra" is bringing you facts about the 1980 Oscar-winning film -- and the 2009 remake for a new generation.
Facts about "Fame", Then and NowReturn to "Fame"The 2009 version of “Fame” is said to be a family-friendly remake of the 1980 original.
The updated film follows the same story: a group of New York performing arts high school students live their dreams and learn about each other along the way.
Facts about "Fame", Then and NowReturn to "Fame"The 2009 version of “Fame” is said to be a family-friendly remake of the 1980 original.
The updated film follows the same story: a group of New York performing arts high school students live their dreams and learn about each other along the way.
- 9/25/2009
- Extra
Screened
IFP Los Angeles Film Festival
Inspired by his stint as a camper and then a counselor at the upstate New York theater camp Stagedoor Manor (not to mention a certain 1980 movie set at New York's High School for Performing Arts), screenwriter Todd Graff makes his directorial debut with "Camp", a film that, intentionally or not, succinctly reflects the title's various connotations.
Although certainly not the smoothest run of operations, the clunky transitions and less than fluidly staged musical numbers aren't the deal breakers they might have been thanks to the picture's genuine affection for its milieu and its committed ensemble of fresh-faced teen talent.
But even with the on-camera endorsement of musical theater deity Stephen Sondheim, backing from Jersey Films and specialty pros Killer Films ("Boys Don't Cry", "Far From Heaven") and the marketing savvy of IFC ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding", "Y Tu Mama Tambien"), the closing-night selection of this year's IFP Los Angeles Film Festival isn't exactly sleeper material.
With its arsenal of in-jokes, the picture will likely have to settle for an audience demographic limited to musical theater buffs overlapping with those who felt they never fit into a more traditional summer camp setting.
Shot on the actual site of Stagedoor Manor, whose campers have included Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh and an 8-year-old Robert Downey Jr., "Camp" introduces the current fictional crop after a dispensable opening musical number.
Among those arriving for an artistically expressive summer at Camp Ovation: newbie Vlad (Daniel Letterle), a certified player with boy-band looks who wastes no time in seducing several female campers -- including sweet but insecure Ellen (Joanna Chilcoat), her bunkmate Dee (Sasha Allen) and the conniving seductress Jill (Alana Allen) -- while managing to find a little time to flirt with sensitive Michael (Robin De Jesus), who still bears the physical and emotional bruises of being beaten up when he attended his high school prom in drag.
Unlike regular summer camps, which might mount one major production at the end of each month, Camp Ovation puts the kids through the rigorous task of putting on a new show every two weeks, complete with costumes, sets and a resident house band.
Adding to that challenge is the arrival of this year's guest director, the cynical, hard-drinking Bert Hanley (musician Don Dixon), who had a hit show on Broadway a decade ago but hasn't been able to finish anything since.
Will Bert ever put down the bottle and get those creative juices flowing anew?
Will Vlad ever learn to stop playing people like they were strings on his guitar?
Will the evil Jill get her well-deserved comeuppance?
Will everybody get their encore?
Actually, in Graff's hands, nothing feels quite like a sure thing. The awkwardness experienced by the group of adolescents also extends to the construction of sequences and the uneasy juggling of characters, which keeps throwing the film out of balance.
And while the script has no shortage of tart, knowing wit, too often scenes seem set up solely to pay off some sight gag, undercutting key emotional credibility in the process.
But Graff, whose writing credits include "Coyote Ugly" and "Dangerous Minds", at least has his heart in the right place, and those expressive, talented kids are the real deal.
Mr. Sondheim aside, Graff also manages to round up some heavyweight support in the persons of composer Stephen Trask ("Hedwig and the Angry Inch"), musical director Tim Weil ("Rent"), songwriter Michael Gore ("Fame") and lyricist Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime"), but somehow, rather than summoning "Fame", many of the group performance pieces end up having all the infectious energy of a musical interlude on "The Partridge Family".
Camp
IFC Films
An IFC production A Jersey Films/Killer Films/Laughlin Park Pictures production
Credits:
Director-screenwriter: Todd Graff
Producers: Todd Graff, Katie Roumel, Christine Vachon
Pamela Koffler, Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher, Jonathan Weisgal
Executive producers: John Wells, Richard Klubeck, Holly Becker, Caroline Kaplan, Jonathan Sehring
Director of photography: Kip Bogdahn
Production designer: Dina Goldman
Editor: Myron Kerstein
Costume designer: Dawn Weisberg
Music: Stephen Trask
Music supervisor: Linda Cohen
Cast:
Vlad: Daniel Letterle
Ellen: Joanna Chilcoat
Michael: Robin De Jesus
Shaun: Steven Cutts
Spitzer: Vince Rimoldi
Petie: Kahiry Bess
Jenna: Tiffany Taylor
Dee: Sasha Allen
Jill: Alana Allen
Fritzi: Anna Kendrick
Bert: Don Dixon
Running time -- 110 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
IFP Los Angeles Film Festival
Inspired by his stint as a camper and then a counselor at the upstate New York theater camp Stagedoor Manor (not to mention a certain 1980 movie set at New York's High School for Performing Arts), screenwriter Todd Graff makes his directorial debut with "Camp", a film that, intentionally or not, succinctly reflects the title's various connotations.
Although certainly not the smoothest run of operations, the clunky transitions and less than fluidly staged musical numbers aren't the deal breakers they might have been thanks to the picture's genuine affection for its milieu and its committed ensemble of fresh-faced teen talent.
But even with the on-camera endorsement of musical theater deity Stephen Sondheim, backing from Jersey Films and specialty pros Killer Films ("Boys Don't Cry", "Far From Heaven") and the marketing savvy of IFC ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding", "Y Tu Mama Tambien"), the closing-night selection of this year's IFP Los Angeles Film Festival isn't exactly sleeper material.
With its arsenal of in-jokes, the picture will likely have to settle for an audience demographic limited to musical theater buffs overlapping with those who felt they never fit into a more traditional summer camp setting.
Shot on the actual site of Stagedoor Manor, whose campers have included Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh and an 8-year-old Robert Downey Jr., "Camp" introduces the current fictional crop after a dispensable opening musical number.
Among those arriving for an artistically expressive summer at Camp Ovation: newbie Vlad (Daniel Letterle), a certified player with boy-band looks who wastes no time in seducing several female campers -- including sweet but insecure Ellen (Joanna Chilcoat), her bunkmate Dee (Sasha Allen) and the conniving seductress Jill (Alana Allen) -- while managing to find a little time to flirt with sensitive Michael (Robin De Jesus), who still bears the physical and emotional bruises of being beaten up when he attended his high school prom in drag.
Unlike regular summer camps, which might mount one major production at the end of each month, Camp Ovation puts the kids through the rigorous task of putting on a new show every two weeks, complete with costumes, sets and a resident house band.
Adding to that challenge is the arrival of this year's guest director, the cynical, hard-drinking Bert Hanley (musician Don Dixon), who had a hit show on Broadway a decade ago but hasn't been able to finish anything since.
Will Bert ever put down the bottle and get those creative juices flowing anew?
Will Vlad ever learn to stop playing people like they were strings on his guitar?
Will the evil Jill get her well-deserved comeuppance?
Will everybody get their encore?
Actually, in Graff's hands, nothing feels quite like a sure thing. The awkwardness experienced by the group of adolescents also extends to the construction of sequences and the uneasy juggling of characters, which keeps throwing the film out of balance.
And while the script has no shortage of tart, knowing wit, too often scenes seem set up solely to pay off some sight gag, undercutting key emotional credibility in the process.
But Graff, whose writing credits include "Coyote Ugly" and "Dangerous Minds", at least has his heart in the right place, and those expressive, talented kids are the real deal.
Mr. Sondheim aside, Graff also manages to round up some heavyweight support in the persons of composer Stephen Trask ("Hedwig and the Angry Inch"), musical director Tim Weil ("Rent"), songwriter Michael Gore ("Fame") and lyricist Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime"), but somehow, rather than summoning "Fame", many of the group performance pieces end up having all the infectious energy of a musical interlude on "The Partridge Family".
Camp
IFC Films
An IFC production A Jersey Films/Killer Films/Laughlin Park Pictures production
Credits:
Director-screenwriter: Todd Graff
Producers: Todd Graff, Katie Roumel, Christine Vachon
Pamela Koffler, Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher, Jonathan Weisgal
Executive producers: John Wells, Richard Klubeck, Holly Becker, Caroline Kaplan, Jonathan Sehring
Director of photography: Kip Bogdahn
Production designer: Dina Goldman
Editor: Myron Kerstein
Costume designer: Dawn Weisberg
Music: Stephen Trask
Music supervisor: Linda Cohen
Cast:
Vlad: Daniel Letterle
Ellen: Joanna Chilcoat
Michael: Robin De Jesus
Shaun: Steven Cutts
Spitzer: Vince Rimoldi
Petie: Kahiry Bess
Jenna: Tiffany Taylor
Dee: Sasha Allen
Jill: Alana Allen
Fritzi: Anna Kendrick
Bert: Don Dixon
Running time -- 110 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
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