Most Valuable Players
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Moving, engaging docu about high school musical theater.
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Most Valuable Players
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What's the Story?
High school musical theater is a very big deal in two counties in Pennsylvania and one county in New Jersey. Each year, 27 high schools produce musical comedies that delight their individual communities in the school auditoriums. Then, in the spring, The Freddy Awards are held to much fanfare at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton, Penn. That night, an enthusiastic audience of 1,500 and a wide local television audience view the live presentation of awards, along with selected musical numbers offered by the finalists. MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS follows three of the participating schools in 2008. Interviews of the talented, charismatic kids; the devoted, effective teachers and their colleagues; and the dedicated Freddy Awards staff are intercut with scenes shot during rehearsals, performances, and the final awards ceremony.
Is It Any Good?
Even audiences who might not already be fans of musical theater will enjoy this heartwarming movie. It's amazing how much talent there is in Lehigh and Northhampton, Penn., and Warren, NJ. It's not only the inspiring kids who perform with effervescent heart and soul for these productions but also the teachers and the staffs of chorale directors, choreographers, costumers, and set designers. Director Matthew D. Kallis does a superb job of re-creating the excitement, camaraderie, and joy of all the participants. His stewardship, along with the work of writer Christopher Lockhart and editor Zack Braff, keeps Most Valuable Players moving, engaging, and always accessible. The unexpected illness of a key adult player in the story ups the ante for Kallis, and he takes it on with a gentle, effective hand.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stereotypes that are sometimes associated with musical theater people (nerdy, gay, weird). In what ways, if any, did Most Valuable Players shatter those stereotypes?
Do you think the filmmakers were fair and gave equal exposure to the three productions they chose to explore? How did they accomplish that?
What are some of the qualities that kids who participate in team sports share with kids who participate in theater performance?
How does Most Valuable Players promote teamwork and perseverance? What about integrity and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 6, 2010
- On DVD or streaming: February 21, 2012
- Director: Matthew D. Kallis
- Studio: Canyonback Films
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: High School, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Courage, Integrity, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 96 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 3, 2022
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