OWN’s newest documentary “Most Valuable Players” brought National attention to a whole new group of competitive high school players. No longer is local sports the only gig that draws in the community….team players in musical theater have brought competition to a new level. Before “Glee” was even pitched as show, teens around the United States were already full-blown Gleeks. After watching this incredible documentary, it was easy to see why.
Throughout our nation, there are high school award ceremonies that inspire, celebrate and encourage young adults to live their dreams and live them loud. This documentary highlighted three high school theater troupes and the team that pulled together the local “Freddy Awards” which honored them.
The drama began quickly when two of the cross-town rivals, Emmaus and Parkland high schools choose to do the same musical, “Les Miserables”, on the exact same weekend. The third school, Freedom High School went in a different direction with another classic, “Bye, Bye Birdie.” Nominations from these performances decide who has a chance at the coveted Freddy Award. Although we are reminded throughout that the “Most Valuable Players” that they try not to focus on the Freddys, their eyes light up as they speak of it. Both magical and beautiful to watch.
The excitement was only lost when it was revealed that the Freddy volunteer coordinator, Vic Kumma, was diagnosed with cancer. A longtime supporter of the program and a familiar face to so many of the kids, it was clear that the news touched many. Yet the show had to go on.
With the rival between the “Les Miserables” schools building, so did the tension…especially for Mark Stutz, Parkland’s director. Despite his twinge of arrogance, Emmaus High School’s director Rita Cortez was going to force Parkland to up their game. The conflict continued to play out through the show. In the meantime, Freedom High School was reminded by their director, Jennifer Wescoe, to not use the “F” (Freddy) word but instead to focus on doing their best and the performance. It’s obvious that theater is just as much a team sport as any other. The players depend and encourage each other to perform their best knowing that it elevates the team. It gives them just as much, if not more confidence.
Now I can’t write about this documentary without at least acknowledging the hilarious duo, Katie Wexler and Ali Mosser. With a frankness that you can only get from talkative high school girls, they added freshness, a little drama and a few extra laughs. Those girls were hilarious.
As the journey progressed and the Freddys are being doled out, we are reminded of Vic Kumma’s love for the arts and the kids. As he sings “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning”, my heart broke a little. Here was this man who loved life singing at the top of his lungs… and dying. An incredible memory to take with me; one that I am certain I will recall each time I hear his song. I am certain each person who watched this film walked away from this film without feeling a lump in your throat and a song in their heart.
As the Freddys were handed out, excitement erupted from the teams. Regardless of who won, the reward was in the teamwork that they exhibited. There really are no MVPs of musical theater…because each person is important. A true team.
If you missed OWN’s latest documentary “Most Valuable Players” be sure to set your DVR for September 14th at 8 or 11pm EST – it will be your last chance to witness this incredible journey!