Waiting in the Wings: The Musical

"Waiting in the Wings: The Musical" by Jeffrey Johns (2014) SOOOOO Cute!!! :) A cross between "Magic Mike" and "Camp' (or maybe "GLEE"). Anthony Richardson and Tony Richardson both enter online contests to perform in New York City -- one in an Off-Broadway Musical...the other in a Strip show. They both win, but in a "clerical error" they each get cast in the other's role! At first Anthony really grated on my nerves, but eventually I found myself cheering for him to succeed in his situation.....in life....and in love! If you like Broadway theater AT ALL you have got to see this one! Most of the musical numbers are parodies...many poking fun at "The Great White Way" with many hilarious jabs at famous shows. Good singing, good dancing, good romance, and good human values abound in this feel-good, whimsical film. Cameos by: Lee Meriwether; Shirley Jones; Sally Struthers; and Christopher Atkins.

"I genuinely feel sorry for Shirley Jones, one of Hollywood's great stars, for being part of this unfortunate film. The movie centers around a flamboyant, over-the-top character who seems to think he's talented, but the performance falls flat. Lacking any real singing ability or acting skill, the lead's attempts at charm and humor only come across as cringe-worthy, especially when placed next to Jones' undeniable talent. His portrayal feels almost like a caricature, reminiscent of Pee Wee Herman, but without any of the charisma or nuance needed to pull it off. Watching this is painful, as it reduces Jones' caliber to a misguided spectacle."

This film was a delightful surprise. I saw it at the Fort Myers Beach Festival, a small but sweet festival in Florida. The theater was full, and this film won the Audience Choice Award, while the lead actor (and writer) won the Best Actor Award. In both cases, well earned.

I left the theater eager to see the movie again. Rumor has it there will be sequels, and I hope that is true... so buy it now! I want to see the next ones!

It's a fun musical with a lot of light hearted comedy, a modicum of sexiness, an "only in America" twist of fate, and it just leaves you feeling great. . . like a musical should.

What a breath of fresh air in the form of musical theatre joy! This is truly a film that will make everyone smile, laugh, and sing along! I loved the cast - what a great smattering of fun familiar faces! I love the music - new songs with catchy melodies. This film has heart, intelligence, and wit and I will keep it in the list of films that make me happy to watch again and again. Rena Strober is a diva force to be reckoned with that has a voice like butter and all the saucy with that a diva like her should have! Jeffrey Johns is absolutely adorable and believable throughout the film - you want to cheer for him forever! If you love musical theatre, you love dancing, you love divas, you love scantily clad men, or you love a heartfelt and joyous time, definitely watch this film!

LOW budget musical comedy drama. The film stars Jeffrey A. Johns as Anthony. He's a GWM musical geek. The other lead is hunky Adam Huss as Tony a male stripper. Through some seriously convoluted plotting Anthony gets hired to join a male strip show and Tony gets in a no-budget musical. Some hilarity ensures.

This really isn't that good of a movie. The basic plot is highly unlikely and the low budget shows. The songs were pleasant but unmemorable and the dancing was a little...ummmm...off. Still I must admit I enjoyed watching it. The cast was rearing to go and full of energy. I admit I laughed more than once and it left me feeling good. The acting was good all around and hunky Huss and gorgeous Blake Peyrot were easy on the eyes. It also has Lee Meriwether in a small role and she looks great and is wonderful. Christopher Atkins and Sally Struthers also have cameos. Best of all is Shirley Jones playing herself popping up at the end. She's hysterical and can still sing. This was a big hit at film festivals and a sequel has already been filmed. So a lot of people love it but I can only marginally recommend it.