What a perfect little Documentary about small theater and the people that it takes to pull it off! The Barn Theatre in a little town in Michigan has been slugging it out for over 65 years and as the doc tells/shows us many big name actors have appeared on its stage when they were starting out, most appear in interviews also. The doc follows the Barn Theatre as it mounts a comeback from a year of going dark (financial problems/bad economy) so we follow a brand new group of young apprentices plus the steady hand of the theaters owners Brendan and Penelope as they get the theater back on it's feet. We learn the history of how it all started but it doesn't dwell on the founders too long because it's time to put on a show, actually a whole season of shows. The apprentices are in their early twenties and full of energy for their big shot on stage in a real union theater setting. It's great fun to see these young performers and also veteran performers pull off an amazing return season when the chips are down. Great Fun! Also watch it for the funny interviews with Jennifer Garner & Dana Delany.
2 Reviews
Technically (sound & pic) not great BUT it's a perfect Doc about small theater!
philwurtzel-4029220 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Live Theater and Broadway's Next Stars
Kadushin31 May 2023
Live Theater and Broadway's Next Stars
Beyond nostalgia for times past, the documentary about "The Barn Theater" shows us the history of a family and friends making something creative with the after world-war 2 G. I. education bill and a window into the life-style of actors and the talents and crafts that support them.
The first part of the documentary has typical reminiscences of the living, elderly history with a lot of photo and audio examples that you might find in a PBS fundraiser special documentary (without the numerous pledge breaks), and the second part gives examples from both people who became well known television stars that most people have heard of or admire, and specific shows from the 1970s through 2011.
We enter the excitement of young, emerging actors and their support - and sometimes tough mentoring from directors, get insights from the musicians, set and costume designers.
There's education to be had while learning more about some of our favorite stars and those who may become the next generation of stars.
I can also see documentary this becoming a must in actor education and training.
Beyond nostalgia for times past, the documentary about "The Barn Theater" shows us the history of a family and friends making something creative with the after world-war 2 G. I. education bill and a window into the life-style of actors and the talents and crafts that support them.
The first part of the documentary has typical reminiscences of the living, elderly history with a lot of photo and audio examples that you might find in a PBS fundraiser special documentary (without the numerous pledge breaks), and the second part gives examples from both people who became well known television stars that most people have heard of or admire, and specific shows from the 1970s through 2011.
We enter the excitement of young, emerging actors and their support - and sometimes tough mentoring from directors, get insights from the musicians, set and costume designers.
There's education to be had while learning more about some of our favorite stars and those who may become the next generation of stars.
I can also see documentary this becoming a must in actor education and training.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
