In 2003, a mini phenomenon occurred in the lives of young theater nerds everywhere (this writer included) in the form of the movie, Camp. This independent film starring soon to be Broadway stars Sasha Allen (Hair) and Robin de Jesús (In the Heights, La Cage aux Folles) told the story of teens finding their tribe, passion, and voice at a theater camp amid their own personal turmoil of adolescence and self-discovery. And now- THERE’S GONNA BE A SEQUEL!!!!!
Writer-director Todd Graff announced this week that Camp 2: Freaks in Nature will start production next year. The hope is that the film will feature as many of the original cast that is interested and available as well as present some new faces. Already confirmed are Tony Award winners Donna Murphy (Passion, The King and I), and Patti LuPone (Evita, Gypsy) in a Dreamgirls fantasy sequence.
The inspiring thing about films like Camp is that they serve to encourage young people who feel alone or isolated or misunderstood to follow what drives them. It also shows that there are people in the world who will accept you for who you are, even if they aren’t necessarily around you right now. Camp also provided us with some utter vocal SLAYAGE!!!
While we patiently await the sequel, here is Sasha Allen with the opening number from Camp (originally from The Gospel at Colonus) and Tiffany Taylor with the show-stopping “Here’s Where I Stand” by composer Michael Gore and lyricist Lynn Ahrens.
“How Shall I See You Through My Tears”
“Here’s Where I Stand”
