SING SING-Colman Domingo Stars as an Inmate in a Theater Program

Colman Domingo stars as John Whitfield who served a 25 year sentence on a wrongly convicted murder sentence. While incarcerated, Whitfield immersed himself in a theater program known as "Rehabilitation Through the Arts" (RTA). SING SING is the maximum security prison located just outside NYC along the scenic shores of the Hudson River in which Whitfield and his fellow inmates served their sentences and spent time devoted to putting on plays for the prison population. What makes this film sing so to speak, is that the healing process of working in the theater group proved therapeutic. The most heartfelt message comes from one of the inmates who explains their motivation, "We do this so we can feel human again for a while." Incarceration without rehabilitation is dehumanizing and feeds the cycle of recidivism. The astonishing ensemble of actors in SING SING are mostly former inmates portraying themselves as former members of this theatre program. Domingo's acting talents soar in his Oscar nominated portrayal along with the other two professional actors, Sean Jose as inmate Mike Mike and Paul Raci as the group's director. But the real stars are the former inmates. Though based on real people, it's not made as a documentary. It doesn't look as harsh or violent as expected within the prison. Rather, it's filmed with artistic shots that re-enforces the inmates 'isolation from the outside world. The lighting used in the scenes between Whitfield and Mike Mike across their prison cells on a hot summer night casts a golden hue that softens the feelings of solitude or desolation. Furthermore, the emotional impact of Whitfield's release from prison or his parole denial fall short. And the arch of inmate Clarence's redemption through his relationship with Whitfield and RTA is too swift and complete to be convincing. However, when the actors are playing themselves auditioning or rehearsing, their vulnerabilities and enthusiasm make this a film well worth watching. The most heart rendering scene is when the actual John Whitfield visits his former cast mates at the prison as an ex-con. He describes his life on the outside which is both liberating and lonely. SING SING cleverly mocks itself when a stoic panel of philanthropists watch the inmates perform prior to deciding whether to fund their program. SING SING is astounding in many ways and wins big imploring for funding towards redemptive programs such as RTA. The finale offers actual footage taken of actual performances which gives further credence to RTA and Reasons to Admire the power of the arts to inspire.