Opening Night

Opening Night is an enthralling backstage comedy musical movie released in 2016, woven around the glamorous yet chaotic world of Broadway. Directed by Isaac Rentz and starring Topher Grace, Anne Heche, Alona Tal, and comedienne Lauren Lapkus, this film embraces humor, drama, and music in a cathartic blend that largely caters to aficionados of the theatrical and Broadway genre.

Set behind the scenes of a broadway show, Topher Grace stars as Nick, a failed Broadway performer who takes a managerial role in the production behind a new musical. Grace delivers a genuine performance as a man stuck in an 'organizer' role, yet yearning for center stage—conveying the internal strife of a man who once dared to dream but is now ensnared in a less-than-ideal situation.

Alona Tal brings charisma and style to her role as Chloe, the stage manager, who is relentlessly loyal to the production. Tal’s character brings levity to the film, providing a significant amount of its heart, sensitivity, and unspoken wisdom that brings Nick back to reality. In contrast, Lauren Lapkus plays the role of the production assistant, Alex, in her typically charming and quirky style, effectively leveraging comedic relief throughout the film.

As the film unfolds, viewers are given a glimpse of Broadway life that's seldom seen—backstage. The dynamic interplay between rehearsal, performance, and everything in between forms the environment that frames our protagonists’ relationships and personal battles. Couples argue, tantrums are thrown, the demanding lead actress and infantile yet hugely famous popstar creates havoc, and the curtain is consistently on the verge of not going up. Reigning in this chaos, and forced to play peacemaker, is our protagonist—Nick.

In parallel to these eventful situations, Opening Night features subplots involving a variety of relationships. Romantic pursuits, friendships, debts of gratitude, and the story of self-redemption for Nick—each subplot intertwines harmoniously within the overarching narrative, giving depth, color, and life to the movie. Isaac Rentz also interweaves music and theatrical performances throughout the film, adding a Broadway-style curtain to the off-stage chaos.

The drama in Opening Night is filled with humor, the comedy is laced with sentiment and thought, the narratives constantly shift between the worse and the better, and emotions are high—much like the theatre itself. It’s about far more than just the show; it's about the people who make the show happen and their internal commotions which are often more intriguing than the on-stage spectacle.

What makes Opening Night stand out is its willingness to shine the spotlight away from the main stage theatrics. Viewers get to see more than just a backstage musical; they witness human stories and dynamics that often take a backseat to the limelight of the theater world. The movie is as much a vivacious comedy as it is a tribute to all those who work endlessly behind the scenes to make the on-stage magic happen.

Moreover, the film boasts of strong performances by its cast. Topher Grace seamlessly embodies a character who’s as unglamorous as he is relatable—the person in the background who wishes to be the star. His portrayal of Nick’s frustration, vulnerability, and eventual growth forms the backbone of the movie. Alona Tal, on the other hand, breathes life into Chloe with remarkable subtlety, while Lauren Lapkus, with her comedic timing and screen presence, brings an admirable amount of charm to the table.

Opening Night isn't only for those with a passion for Broadway. The movie taps into the universal theme of dreaming, stumbling, picking oneself up, and moving forward. It will leave any audience with a smile, a pleasant aftertaste of a musical well-performed, and a humorous yet realistic insight into what goes on behind the curtains of a Broadway show. From the skilled performances to the gripping narrative to the catchy music, Opening Night successfully makes a dramatic, humorous, and touching concoction sure to win over a diverse range of viewers.