The Phamaly Theatre Company in Denver is a “creative home for theater artists with disabilities” and this uplifting documentary, directed by Regan Linton and Brian Malone, follows Phamaly artistic director Linton as she coordinates the theater company’s production of the popular musical Chicago. A car accident in college left Linton paralyzed from the waist down and the program begins with Linton at home before “rolling out into the world” to begin auditions. All the hopefuls possess some type of cognitive, physical, or mental disability running the gamut from multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy to autism and epilepsy.
Like most audition processes, the actors perform in front of theater staff who critically evaluate the candidates, including effervescent Lucy Roucis who exhibits early-onset Parkinson’s disease, Megan McGuire whose one arm is shortened due to congenital limb loss, Leonard Barrett Jr with multiple sclerosis, and Laurcie Quinn who has a degenerative joint disease and complex partial seizure condition.
We also follow some of the actors outside the theater, including Adam Johnson who excitedly receives a phone call at home that he will be part of the cast. The first rehearsal is a chair reading where the actors go through their lines. Individual disabilities take a back seat to the actors’ preparations, practices, and occasional frustrations as the film tracks rehearsals, costume fittings, and more right up through the opening night.
Prior to the opening, Linton has a mini-meltdown, questioning her approach, wondering if she is leading the actors in the right direction, and worrying that she is setting the cast up for failure. No worries as we catch opening night jitters that give way to top-notch musical and dance scenes, prompting a resounding standing ovation and a critically acclaimed sold-out run. Final musically enhanced snapshots showcase each actor with a listing of individual disabilities. This joyful film speaks to a wide audience, including theater lovers, actors, and others who may see themselves in this group of diverse performers who follow their dreams. An outstanding selection for film collections and library programming promoting disability awareness. Editors’ Choice.