Watch NOW: In the Wings on a World Stage

Now: In the Wings on a World Stage is a documentary film that follows renowned actor Kevin Spacey and the cast of the Richard III production as they perform their play all around the world. The movie captures their performances on stage and also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the entire process of putting together a global tour of a Shakespearean play.

Directed by Jeremy Whelehan, the film takes its name from a famous line in William Shakespeare's Hamlet - "The play's the thing, wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King." The movie explores the creative process that goes into developing a theatrical production, from the script to costumes, set design, rehearsals and improvisations. The Richard III production featured in the movie was staged by the Bridge Project Company, which is co-owned by Kevin Spacey and his producing partner, Sam Mendes.

The film begins by introducing the audience to the cast and crew of Richard III, including actors such as Maureen Anderman and Stephen Lee Anderson. We see how they prepare for their roles, train in combat, and work together to create a seamless production. We are also shown how they adapt to different cultures and languages as they take their play around the world. The movie gives viewers an opportunity to see the complex and physically demanding work that goes into creating a performance that can appeal to audiences everywhere.

The movie also explores the impact that live theater can have on the hearts and minds of audiences. We see how the cast and crew interact with their fans, and how they are inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of their audiences. The movie provides a glimpse of the emotional highs and lows that come with performing live theater, from the excitement of opening night to the sadness of closing night. We witness the endurance and resilience it takes to put on a world stage production, and how the actors become like a family as they travel the world together.

Kevin Spacey is a standout in the film, not only for his portrayal of the character Richard III but also for his leadership in the creation of the production. He is seen working with his fellow actors, giving notes on their performances, and inspiring them to give their best every night. His dedication to the project and his passion for theater are evident throughout the movie. He reveals the importance of Shakespeare's works in our society, explaining how the themes in them are still relevant today, and how they can inspire and educate us.

The movie also gives us a glimpse into the intricacies of touring a production of this scale. We see how the cast and crew move from city to city, country to country, dealing with language barriers, cultural differences, and logistical challenges. We see how they adapt to new spaces, new audiences, and different schedules. And we are shown how they manage to keep the show fresh and vibrant every night, despite the exhaustion and stress that come with touring.

Overall, Now: In the Wings on a World Stage is a captivating look at the world of live theater. It provides a unique perspective on the creative process, the challenges of touring, and the impact that theater can have on audiences around the globe. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves theater, Shakespeare, or Kevin Spacey. It is an inspiring and thought-provoking documentary that invites us to reflect on the power of storytelling and the values of teamwork, dedication, and passion.

NOW: In the Wings on a World Stage is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 55.