La gazzetta Italiana Review...Based on a true story, the musical film "From Corrine's Heart" follows Corinne (Arielle Joy Hubbard) who dreams of becoming a championship figure skater and then receives news that changes her entire life. She visits her doctor and learns that she has Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Corinne struggles to cope with her disease and distances herself from her boyfriend Tony (Scott Fraser O'Brien) until he wins her over and gives her hope.
The film is beautiful and inspiring, not only educating its audience on the disease, but allowing viewers to understand the emotional struggles people with MS may have. It allows the audience to feel why she is so frustrated and why she does not want to marry Tony initially. This film is a musical - the entire story is told by the lyrics and the music. The music is quite wonderful and the audience will enjoy seeing the characters express their story through song. The camera work and the audio recording are spot on - very professional.
After a wonderful opening montage showing Corinne ice skating and she and Tony together, we see Corinne at the doctor's office where she gets her diagnosis. Her friend Anne is by her side. When she returns from the doctor's appointment, she breaks down to Anne explaining how broken she feels. When Tony comes to see her, she refuses to see him. Her world is crumbling around her. She is very angry that she cannot live her dream of being a figure skater.
Throughout the film, we see Corinne's character develop. Initially she is devastated when she learns about her diagnosis and that she will be unable to have children. Towards the end she accepts that she will have to live with her disease, but it doesn't mean she can't live her life the way she wants.
There are many wonderful moments in the film, like the Miracle Man showing up just when Tony needs a lift. Another favorite scene of initial film reviewers is Corinne's physical therapy appointment. At first, she is skeptical that she will be able to stand up. When she does stand up and starts taking slow steps, she feels like she is taking control of her life and not letting her disease define her. The filmmaker includes still photos of the actual Corinne and her family at the end.
The incredible cast includes many Broadway veterans. Arielle Joy Hubbard as Corinne, Scott Fraser O'Brien as Tony, Hannah Thompson as Anne, Davon Cochran as The Miracle Man, Bart Shatto as Doctor Gerard, and Keith Crowningshield as Mister Keith the physical therapist. Also added to the cast are actor Noah Musso as The Miracle Baby, actress Olympia Eyal as Marissa at age six, actress Antonella Bustos as Marissa at age eight, actress Alexis Licor as Marissa at age ten and Luisa Madera who played the doctor's secretary. The actors' terrific acting and singing will remind viewers of going to the opera - the voices are so incredibly wonderful and inspiring. Hats off to Emmy Award-nominated Charles Mandracchia, the film's producer, writer, composer and director.
The film's message is about pushing through obstacles no matter what. It also reminds us that we do not go through life alone. Corinne is helped by so many loving people around her who support her on her journey - her friend Anna, her boyfriend Tony, the physical therapist, the Miracle Man who motivates Tony, and more.
"From Corrine's Heart" will be released in 2025-2026.
