27.12.23
Theatre Camp is a comedy that celebrates the passion and talent of drama enthusiasts and performers, both familiar actors and an impressively energetic young cast. Reminiscent of Christopher Guest mockumentaries like Best in Show and Waiting for Guffman, it follows a summer theatre camp and all the drama, shenanigans, and humiliating moments that come with ambitious stage talent in close quarters. Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman shine as the leads, playing off each other well and anchoring the diverse ensemble.
As someone who worked at American summer camps, I found the film incredibly relatable and cringe-inducing in the best way. The mortifying flashbacks it triggered made it more hilarious for me, with many scenes delighting me in laughter thanks to the sharp improv skills of the cast. Many of them shine, with my personal favourite of the lot being Ayo Edeberi, playing a role very similar to her one in the TV show The Bear, as a novice who just shows up and becomes more confident in her skillset as the story develops.
However, like watching stand-up on screen, some of that in-the-moment comedy magic fades after viewing. While undoubtedly funny, many of the best moments aren’t necessarily quotable out of context. The humour springs more from knowing the characters and their dynamics than snappy, shareable one-liners. I’m not sure if people who haven’t experienced this way of life in some way will get much out of it.
But it’s still a solid comedy that celebrates the often absurd but earnest passion of the stage-struck. It likely won’t become an enduring classic, but it’s an entertaining experience in the moment, especially for those with personal camp experiences. The performances carry it through the somewhat forgettable story. A unique, frantic comedy worth watching even if it doesn’t leave a permanent impression.