THEATER CAMP-Totally Charming with Ben Platt and an Excellent Cast

THEATER CAMP screening on Amazon Prime delivers exactly what you'd expect, a misfit group of kids that are perfectly at home in a summer camp that caters to their thespian yearnings and an eccentric staff that provides plenty of charm and laughs.  There is the quasi theme of putting on a show to save the camp with a slight revamp. The wayward, thick-headed son Troy (Jimmy Tatro) gains an epiphany of the purity in purpose his mother's camp provides.  By observing the cast and crew at work and play, Troy realizes it's more important to keep the camp afloat than sell off to the more sophisticated theater camp for financial gains.  The ingratiating, ensemble cast are all excellent even when played with exaggerated characterizations in this breezy, Easter egg infected film which is fun from start finish.  Leading the pack of beloved counselors are Tony winner Ben Platt and comedic actress Molly Gordon ("The Bear").  Some truly heartwarming moments come from the photos of both actors when they were young and acting in theater together.  These shots underline the goodwill that goes into student theatrical productions.  Nathan Lee Graham and Owen Thiele offer over the top performances as the dance counselor and costume designer that are hilarious.  New counselor Ayo Edebiri ("The Bear") is astonishing as she connives her way into the job and manages to find a method to the madness of teaching campers and relating to the die hard theater devotees.  Noah Given's earnest performance as the over-worked, problem solving stage manager is pitch perfect.  All the campers are ingratiating with tons of talent to wow any wizened casting director.  There are stand out singing performance by young cast-mates Luke Islan, Donovan Colan, and Alexander Bello.  Kendra Sanchez is delightful as the aspiring ingenue and Alan S. Kim steals his scenes as an enterprising talent agent.  The only duplicitous character, a plodding buyer for the camp, Patti Harrison, is played with comical cunning.  Watch for the dazzling, camper auditions and the night-time counselor entertainments.  The build up to the final production for parents pays off in a non-surprising smash hit.  A sub-plot between Platt and Gordon concerning dissension in their relationship is a testament to the treasure of friendship.  This dazzling gem of a film is bookended with priceless cameos from Amy Sedaris, Rita Cohen and Susie Essman.   The film feels less like a satire as it wraps and more as a resounding ovation for kids and adult alike who share a passion for the stage.   THEATER CAMP will keep you laughing' cause it has miles 'n miles of heart which is more than you need,