source: Tankhouse

Noam Thomaschoff delivers a quirky comedy reminiscent of Taika Waititi and Wes Anderson. Noam, however, delivers a raw cast of characters and dialogues that establishes, though never exposes, the quirkiness and escapism of theater troops. It is both the stereotype and the reality of immersive theater, complete with shakespearean language and gestures. The main characters are banished from New York and move to Fargo, bringing along their trunks of costumes and theatrics. They land before an actual theater, a potential new home for a new ensemble by way of competition between two theater groups. The contrasts and interactions with the locals are portrayed with naturalness and empathy. They win over the local residents and the competition judges to call the renovated theater home, almost. In the deeply moving climax, the reality of life and changing relationships is exposed, ironically, in the style of immersive/improvisation theater for the final skit in the competition, shakespearean language and all. Noam delivers this moment with what can best be described as exaggerated subtlety, the dramatic gestures and speeches delivering a heartfelt cataclysmic moment in the young couples journey. As this is Noam's first feature film, there are creases to be ironed, scenes to be re-edited, and superfluous sequences to be deleted. But, then again, it is the rawness and the pouring out of the guts spirit that delivers the narrative that makes this gem of a movie so special.

Greetings again from the darkness. A couple of months ago I reviewed Tim Federle's new movie, BETTER NATE THAN EVER, and described it as a real treat for young theater students. Now, just a few weeks later, comes the first feature film from writer-director Noam Tomaschoff and co-writer Chelsea Frei ... one for the grown-ups still trying to make a go of it on the live theater scene. It's sometimes funny, sometimes motivational, and sometimes painful to watch. While the film really boils down to finding one's place in life and staying true to your own dreams, it takes quite an unusual path with oddball characters. Sandrene St Jean (Tara Holt) and Tucker Charlemagne (Stephen Friedrich) lead a group of avant-garde performers in a display of rooftop immersive art. Things go swimmingly right up until a tragedy that results in the couple being booted from the company by their mentor, Burford Slezinger (Christopher Lloyd), and blacklisted from the NYC theater scene. Making things seem more hopeless for Sandrene and Tucker, a dinner with her parents (Andy Buckley from "The Office" and Joey Lauren Adams and her distinctive voice) leaves their free-wheeling artistic lifestyle lacking further funding. The pretentious Sandrene and the brash Tucker admit they can't possibly get "real jobs", so they head to her hometown of Fargo, where a contest will decide which performance group will win the rights to takeover the historic downtown theater. The competition boils down to an established group led by Morten (Richard Kind), Sandrene's former high school drama teacher, or the quickly assembled troupe of oddball locals she and Tucker cobble together from the local pub. Recruits are drawn in by Tucker's proclamation of a "theatrical revolution" ... one of his many articulate statements that carry no significant heft. Most of the story takes place in Fargo, with the rivalry between the two theater groups driving things forward. There is a terrific parody of the WEST SIDE STORY gang face-off that involves high-speed dueling "Modern Major General Song" (from Pirates of the Penzance) versions - accompanied by finger-snapping! What we witness is how one person's passion and commitment can both unite and divide, and how individual dreams should be pursued when the opportunity presents. Richard Kind's Morten is a fine example of how bitterness can leech in when someone doesn't achieve their goals and struggles, and still find happiness with the hand dealt. All of these life lessons are wrapped in a comedy with oddball characters that will likely appeal most to those who have chosen the theater life. In fact, the story is semi-autobiographical for writers Tomaschoff and Frei. While we would have liked more development for the supporting characters, this 'personal' aspect for the writers explains a great deal. Whether you view this as a parody or cautionary tale, it does remind us that each person must seek their lot in life. Available May 13, 2022 on VOD.

An original, silly, but also very personal movie that celebrates the spirit of community and sheds a rare light on the real growing pains of starting a life in the arts. Noam Tomaschoff's feature film directorial debut showcases his impressive ability to balance quirky slapstick with genuinely moving performances all while keeping up a fun steady pace. Richard Kind's performance as Mr. Mortensen is totally credible and human, and seeing him so a Modern Major General battle is incredible. It's always a treat to see Christopher Lloyd in any movie, and despite his short screen time, his presence in the movie looms large and rightfully commands respect. The chemistry between Stephen Friedrich and Tara Holt is strong, and the diverse Tankhouse ensemble each have great standout moments. The script by Noam Tomaschoff and Chelsea Frei, based a lot on their real lives, is easy to follow, funny, and full of surprisingly heartfelt twists and turns as well as very clever and specific references (Gilbert & Sullivan, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Henrik Ibsen, for example). Not many movies exist like this - and these days it's a bold move to put out something so niche, original, and intimate. If you love Theatre, you will love this movie, and if you don't love Theatre I think you will still find plenty to enjoy about how ruthlessly it satirizes it! I'm already looking forward to what all of the filmmakers will be coming out with next!

Growing up as a lover of all things Broadway, this movie had me feeling like a kid all over again. Thought it was hysterical, excited to watch this with my thespian friends and see if they notice anything about themselves... Highly recommend.

source: Tankhouse

Noam Thomaschoff delivers a quirky comedy reminiscent of Taika Waititi and Wes Anderson. Noam, however, delivers a raw cast of characters and dialogues that establishes, though never exposes, the quirkiness and escapism of theater troops. It is both the stereotype and the reality of immersive theater, complete with shakespearean language and gestures. The main characters are banished from New York and move to Fargo, bringing along their trunks of costumes and theatrics. They land before an actual theater, a potential new home for a new ensemble by way of competition between two theater groups. The contrasts and interactions with the locals are portrayed with naturalness and empathy. They win over the local residents and the competition judges to call the renovated theater home, almost. In the deeply moving climax, the reality of life and changing relationships is exposed, ironically, in the style of immersive/improvisation theater for the final skit in the competition, shakespearean language and all. Noam delivers this moment with what can best be described as exaggerated subtlety, the dramatic gestures and speeches delivering a heartfelt cataclysmic moment in the young couples journey. As this is Noam's first feature film, there are creases to be ironed, scenes to be re-edited, and superfluous sequences to be deleted. But, then again, it is the rawness and the pouring out of the guts spirit that delivers the narrative that makes this gem of a movie so special.

An original, silly, but also very personal movie that celebrates the spirit of community and sheds a rare light on the real growing pains of starting a life in the arts. Noam Tomaschoff's feature film directorial debut showcases his impressive ability to balance quirky slapstick with genuinely moving performances all while keeping up a fun steady pace. Richard Kind's performance as Mr. Mortensen is totally credible and human, and seeing him so a Modern Major General battle is incredible. It's always a treat to see Christopher Lloyd in any movie, and despite his short screen time, his presence in the movie looms large and rightfully commands respect. The chemistry between Stephen Friedrich and Tara Holt is strong, and the diverse Tankhouse ensemble each have great standout moments. The script by Noam Tomaschoff and Chelsea Frei, based a lot on their real lives, is easy to follow, funny, and full of surprisingly heartfelt twists and turns as well as very clever and specific references (Gilbert & Sullivan, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Henrik Ibsen, for example). Not many movies exist like this - and these days it's a bold move to put out something so niche, original, and intimate. If you love Theatre, you will love this movie, and if you don't love Theatre I think you will still find plenty to enjoy about how ruthlessly it satirizes it! I'm already looking forward to what all of the filmmakers will be coming out with next!

Greetings again from the darkness. A couple of months ago I reviewed Tim Federle's new movie, BETTER NATE THAN EVER, and described it as a real treat for young theater students. Now, just a few weeks later, comes the first feature film from writer-director Noam Tomaschoff and co-writer Chelsea Frei ... one for the grown-ups still trying to make a go of it on the live theater scene. It's sometimes funny, sometimes motivational, and sometimes painful to watch. While the film really boils down to finding one's place in life and staying true to your own dreams, it takes quite an unusual path with oddball characters. Sandrene St Jean (Tara Holt) and Tucker Charlemagne (Stephen Friedrich) lead a group of avant-garde performers in a display of rooftop immersive art. Things go swimmingly right up until a tragedy that results in the couple being booted from the company by their mentor, Burford Slezinger (Christopher Lloyd), and blacklisted from the NYC theater scene. Making things seem more hopeless for Sandrene and Tucker, a dinner with her parents (Andy Buckley from "The Office" and Joey Lauren Adams and her distinctive voice) leaves their free-wheeling artistic lifestyle lacking further funding. The pretentious Sandrene and the brash Tucker admit they can't possibly get "real jobs", so they head to her hometown of Fargo, where a contest will decide which performance group will win the rights to takeover the historic downtown theater. The competition boils down to an established group led by Morten (Richard Kind), Sandrene's former high school drama teacher, or the quickly assembled troupe of oddball locals she and Tucker cobble together from the local pub. Recruits are drawn in by Tucker's proclamation of a "theatrical revolution" ... one of his many articulate statements that carry no significant heft. Most of the story takes place in Fargo, with the rivalry between the two theater groups driving things forward. There is a terrific parody of the WEST SIDE STORY gang face-off that involves high-speed dueling "Modern Major General Song" (from Pirates of the Penzance) versions - accompanied by finger-snapping! What we witness is how one person's passion and commitment can both unite and divide, and how individual dreams should be pursued when the opportunity presents. Richard Kind's Morten is a fine example of how bitterness can leech in when someone doesn't achieve their goals and struggles, and still find happiness with the hand dealt. All of these life lessons are wrapped in a comedy with oddball characters that will likely appeal most to those who have chosen the theater life. In fact, the story is semi-autobiographical for writers Tomaschoff and Frei. While we would have liked more development for the supporting characters, this 'personal' aspect for the writers explains a great deal. Whether you view this as a parody or cautionary tale, it does remind us that each person must seek their lot in life. Available May 13, 2022 on VOD.

Growing up as a lover of all things Broadway, this movie had me feeling like a kid all over again. Thought it was hysterical, excited to watch this with my thespian friends and see if they notice anything about themselves... Highly recommend.