Watch The Barn Theatre: Tomorrow's Stars Today

The Barn Theatre: Tomorrow's Stars Today is a charming and heartwarming documentary film that explores the history and legacy of The Barn Theatre, a community-based summer theater program located in Augusta, Michigan. Directed by Taylor D. Miller, the film features interviews with current and former Barn Theatre performers, staff members, and supporters, as well as archival footage and photographs of performances and events spanning several decades.

The Barn Theatre was founded in 1946 by Jack Ragotzy, a theater director and producer who believed in the power of community theater to bring people together and foster artistic expression. Over the years, The Barn has become a beloved institution in the community, attracting talented performers and musicians from across the country and providing opportunities for local actors and musicians to hone their craft and showcase their talents.

The film follows the production of the 2016 season, which includes several classic musicals and plays, such as The Music Man, The Odd Couple, and Cabaret. We meet Joe Aiello, a young actor from New York who has been cast as Harold Hill in The Music Man, and follow him as he rehearses and prepares for the role. We also meet Penelope Alex, a veteran performer who has appeared in several productions at The Barn, including Cabaret, and who shares her thoughts on the theater and its importance to the community.

Throughout the film, we learn about the challenges faced by The Barn over the years, including financial struggles, and the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers who have kept the theater running. We see how the theater has adapted to changes in the entertainment industry, such as the rise of movie theaters and streaming services, and how it has remained a vital part of the community even as other theaters have closed.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the film is the sense of community that The Barn has fostered over the years. We see how performers and staff members form close friendships and support one another during the ups and downs of the theater season. We also see how the theater has become a place where young people can learn about the performing arts and develop their skills and confidence.

The film includes interviews with several well-known actors who got their start at The Barn, including Becky Ann Baker, who played the mother on the TV show Girls, and Adrienne Barbeau, who appeared in several horror films in the 1970s and 1980s. These interviews provide a fascinating glimpse into the early careers of these actors and the impact that The Barn had on their lives and careers.

Overall, The Barn Theatre: Tomorrow's Stars Today is a delightful and inspiring documentary that celebrates the power of community theater to bring people together and inspire creativity. It is a must-see for anyone who loves the performing arts or who wants to learn more about the history and legacy of one of America's most beloved community theaters.

The Barn Theatre: Tomorrow's Stars Today is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes.