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Thursday, September 25, 2008

Movie Recommendation: Yellow Brick Road


Yellow Brick Road (2006)
(Synopsis from Netflix): "Filmmakers Matthew Makar and Keith Rondinelli capture a high-profile theatrical production of "The Wizard of Oz" (based on L. Frank Baum's beloved children's book), performed by an enthusiastic cast of players with disabilities. By interspersing poignant moments of onstage fantasy with scenes from each character's offstage reality, this moving documentary strives to fully tell the troupe members' inspiring personal stories."

While this documentary shows some additional challenges of staging a show with mentally and physically disabled performers, the significant challenges are universal.
As a director, I have often been heard to say that, when casting a show, I value heart and enthusiasm over talent. (I like it best when I get all three.)
This documentary is about a theatre group with a whole lot of heart, a whole lot of enthusiasm, and a surprising amount of talent.
Plan to be charmed by this movie.

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