Trevor: The Musical
By Jennifer Green,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Teen sexuality, slurs, suicide in filmed stage musical.
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Trevor: The Musical
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Based on 2 parent reviews
So glad to watch this with my young person
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What's the Story?
The filmed version of the off-Broadway stage production TREVOR: THE MUSICAL is the story of a 13-year-old boy who is discovering his sexuality and getting bullied for it in the process. Trevor (Holden Hagelberger) dreams of exploiting his talents on the stage, and he offers to choreograph a traditional annual dance for the school football team. But Trevor's dreams are abruptly interrupted when his secret crush on a classmate is revealed across the school.
Is It Any Good?
An endearing teen cast and lively Diana Ross-inspired score deliver important messages highlighting a well-known LGBTQ+ support organization. While Trevor: The Musical isn't likely to find anywhere near the audience of Disney's filmed version of Hamilton, for example, audiences should probably get used to streaming plays and musicals. It's an opportunity for viewers who can't access or possibly afford to see them in their original context. In this case, the empowering tale draws you in, even while the on-screen experience is limited and will never compare to attending a performance live in a crowded theater.
Trevor's just got to be himself, and Hagelberger's irrepressible energy and innate sweetness prevail. He and the rest of the mostly teen cast (the adults play multiple characters each, except the brilliant Diana Ross stand-in) are downright charming. Their relatively average singing voices and dance skills, unexceptional '80s wardrobes (again, Ross is the exception!), and the set's minimal use of props (a bed, school chairs, a picnic table, some Ross posters) all work to convey a sense that this story could be about any kid anywhere. And that's precisely the point.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Trevor Project, the nonprofit organization inspired by the original story behind Trevor: The Musical. Why are organizations like this important? Where can you find more information about it?
How did the actions of Trevor's friends and classmates contribute to his attempts at sexual "conversion" and suicide? What could they have done differently?
How is it different to watch a play or musical on film rather than in person in a theater audience? What are the pros and cons for viewers of each format?
Families can also talk about suicide and the way it's addressed in this movie. When is it important to talk about mental health, especially if you're worried about a friend or family member? What other resources are available to help both kids and adults?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 24, 2022
- Cast: Holden Hagelberger, Sammy Dell, Aryan Simhadri
- Directors: Robin Abrams, Marc Bruni
- Studio: Disney+
- Genre: Musical
- Topics: Activism, Arts and Dance, Book Characters, Friendship, Middle School, Music and Sing-Along
- Run time: 114 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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