I don't like musicals. But this isn't a musical. It's a beautiful movie that happens to have beautiful music throughout. Director Gary King is clearly a visionary. His choices are clear throughout the entire film. And his choices are bold. The choreography in the movie (choreographed by Christina Rose and Mark DiConzo) is so much fun and definitely a 'showstopper'. Ken Lampl, the film's composer is outstanding. It is clear that Ken was very deliberate in the music he wrote for all the characters that seem to all tie together to effortlessly. I left the theater with the music playing softly in my mind. Now, to the players. How can we talk about this movie without talking about Joe Schermann himself? Joe is brilliant. His music and lyrical skills are the envy of every classically trained music student. Not to mention that Joe is a wonderful actor. He's very honest and very natural. It's evident that he doesn't force the character. He just knows how to live on camera. Mark DiConzo was a pleasure to watch. His subtly is something that I know actors would want to understand and learn. He's funny, he can sing, he can dance. I cannot wait to see more of his work. Brilliant. And of course, it's time to talk about the lovely Christina Rose. She is a force. But this force is soft, graceful and elegant. She does does it all too. Producer, choreographer, singer, dancer, piano player and actor. She's one of those people that was clearly made for film. Her on screen presence is beautiful to watch and you can tell that she took the time to understand her character and her character's desire throughout the story. The soundtrack hasn't left my car since the day Christina gave it to me and I drive around the city belting out Joe Schermann's songs off key. I know everyone from the film is going to continue to make brilliant films. But I can't help but wish they would all collaborate one more time. It's obvious from the final result of this film that they all have amazing chemistry together.
