Rhode Island International Film Festival 2009

Through an elaborate elementary school production of 'The Wizard of Oz', five fifth graders reveal the fascinating intricacies of being and becoming themselves. Every subtle moment sheds light on this period, that is hilarious as it is challenging. From devil-may-care days to heart-on-the-sleeve moments, SCHOOL PLAY traces an insightful outline of the final days of childhood.From water fights to trampolines to school and social pressures, Jeff, Joey, Nick, Elizabeth and Isabelle are all struggling to make it across the rickety bridge between childhood and adolescence.Joey is the spitting image of his father, the class clown with the sharp wit. He is coming up on the age where girls find him interesting, though he may or may not be oblivious to it. His parents are concerned that entertaining his peers gets in the way of their son's full potential. Now, cast as a lead in the school play, the pressure is on Joey to finally buckle down and rein in his childish antics.Jeffrey is the quintessential "fat-kid". Kids mock him, while adults worry. For this highly sensitive child in his final year of grade school, 'The Wizard of Oz' is a chance to gain acceptance - if he can manage not ostracize himself even more through the rehearsals.Elizabeth is exactly what Jeffrey is not. Tiny and cute, she asserts her individuality with aplomb. Her thoughts seem imbibed with wisdom and humor beyond her years. Elizabeth lives for make-believe, and the worlds she creates makes visiting Elizabeth a sheer joy.Isabel is a highly motivated 10 year old. Charismatic, well spoken and observant, she's the girl with the hungry look in her eyes. After landing the role of Dorothy, she attacks her job with gusto. But with her heart on the line, Isabel must also learn about how to handle the pressure.Nick is the school's most passionate thespian - a fact complicated by his terrible stutter. But despite conflicting fears and desires, Nick is also wonderfully self-aware. "I do break off from the mainstream," he says. "I don't want to be like everybody else..."This is also a modern tale of American family and community. Indeed, the leafy, suburban, New York town in which these kids live seems to hang its hat on this elaborate play. From top-notch sets to lighting grids and a full orchestra, this grade school show soon ratchets into a full scale spectacle - testing the moxie of the kids, their families and the neighborhood at large.As the demanding director shouts, "This is more than just a school play!." Indeed. SCHOOL PLAY is about metamorphosis, and a trip back to childhood itself.