Enter Stage Left: How to Watch the New Comedy ‘Theater Camp’
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There are many avenues by which you might arrive at the new comedy, Theater Camp. If you’re taking the classic route, anything with Ben Platt is a hard yes. If you’re traveling by way of The Bear, you’re here for Ayo Edebiri and Molly Gordon, and Gordon not only stars in the film, but co-wrote and co-directed it. Maybe you’re taking the road less traveled by, reliving the underground YouTube comedy of your youth through the work of the illustrious Jimmy Tatro. Whichever road you’re taking, we’re all going to the same place. See you at theater camp.
The new mockumentary comedy, which was collaboratively written by Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, Ben Platt, and Nick Lieberman, follows the leadership of a kitschy theater camp in upstate New York, fittingly named AdironACTS. When the camp’s founder falls into a coma, her non-theater kid son (Tatro) is saddled with leading the camp and avoiding financial ruin.
For recovering theater kids, this film will feel like a bittersweet memory. For everyone else, it’s a hilarious look into the world of amateur drama, complete with cardboard cut-out sets and unlimited melodrama. The melodrama we speak of comes not only from the tween campers, but the adult counselors whose big Broadway dreams never panned out, but that doesn’t stop them from feeling like stars. With only the trailer on our hands, we’re already left to play with some instantly iconic lines, namely “I do believe her as a French prostitute,” which is said of a 10-year-old actress, naturally. At theater camp and in Theater Camp, the stakes are high and the leadership diluted.
The film, which is studded with the latest names in comedy, is largely improvised, which is always fun. Together, these IRL lifelong friends and students of the art of improv create a comedy that feels both authentic and hilariously self-aware. Among critics and early viewers, the reviews are rave. The film, which may have arrived as an underdog passion project between a group of funny friends, is set to become one of the best comedies of the year – and it’s 100 percent camp.
Where Can I Watch Theater Camp?
Theater kids, regroup at concessions. Theater Camp is opening exclusively in theaters on July 20th, with no word on a streaming release any time soon. Don’t wait, snag your tickets now. If you’re movie theater averse, fear not, it’s just a matter of time until the comedy of the year is streamable from your couch.
While you await your reunion with your local AMC’s stained recliner, catch up with the Theater Camp team. Catch Gordon and Edebiri in the latest season of FX’s The Bear. Ugly-cry-laugh at Noah Galvin in his The Other Two cameo in season two episode two, “Pat Connects with Her Fans.” Ugly-cry-laugh again at Ben Platt in his The Other Two cameo in season three episode 8, “Brooke Hosts a Night of Undeniable Good.” Stream Jimmy Tatro’s true crime satire American Vandal on Netflix. Do all of this, then pack your bags for Theater Camp.
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