MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS is a lively, entertaining film that follows three high school drama troupes through the creative, funny and occasionally frustrating process of staging a musical production. From the rigorous rehearsals and tension-filled opening night performances to an elaborate, end-of-the-year award ceremony, MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS showcases students whose amazing talents far exceed their young ages.
In a school district where sports reign supreme, finding recognition for the arts is a constant struggle. Fortunately for the theater students in Lehigh Valley, there are teachers and mentors who see how the performing arts encourage teamwork and camaraderie, and build confidence. In an effort to recognize the students’ hard work and dedication, the local Center for the Arts created the Freddy Awards, a live, televised event that recognizes excellence in high school musical theater.
Tracking the fortunes of three schools — including two who are staging competing versions of Les Miserables —, MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS introduces viewers to the cast members who will be going head-to-head for those coveted awards. The drama, tension and joy are palpable as the kids put on the best performances of their young lives.
Fans of Glee and High School Musical will be charmed and inspired by these real-life kids, their teachers and mentors, who infuse them with their passion for the performing arts.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS made its theatrical debut in August 2010 via the International Documentary Association’s DocuWeeks Theatrical Showcase and its film festival premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival. It has also appeared at the Nashville Film Festival, where it won the “Documentary Channel Audience Award,” the Dallas International Film Festival and other festivals around the world. MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS was an official selection of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) Documentary Club and had its worldwide television premiere on September 8, 2011 on OWN.
Reviews:
“Fans of the Fox TV show Glee will find the warmhearted documentary equally as
infectious.”
- Suite 101
“We were glued to the screen.”
- Dante DiLoreto and Ian Brennan, Glee producers
“A really entertaining documentary.”
- Variety
“A winner.”
- The Express-Times
“Funny…Compelling...Poignant.”
- USA Today
“The film shines.”
- Los Angeles Times
“A heartfelt Valentine.”
- Morning Call
“The feel good documentary of the year.”
- Michael Lumpkin, International Documentary Association
“A thrilling documentary.”
- Huffington Post
“An excellent documentary that will pull on your heartstrings and show you what it really
means to be a drama kid.”
- Faze Magazine
“An energetic, joy-filled, incredible documentary.”
- Toronto Film Scene
“A movie you can feel Glee-ful about.”
- Riverfront Times
“Irresistible.”
- Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles film critic
Festivals and Awards:
- Nashville Film Festival – Winner, Documentary Channel Audience Award
- DocuWeeks IDA Sponsored Theatrical Showcase – Official Selection
- Mill Valley Film Festival Official Selection – Official Selection
- Chicago International Children’s Film Festival – Official Selection
- St. Louis International Film Festival – Official Selection
- Documentary Edge New Zealand Film Festival – Official Selection
- TIFF/Sprockets International Film Festival – Official Selection
- Omaha Film Festival – Official Selection
- Nashville Film Festival – Official Selection
- St. Helena Family Film Festival – Official Selection
Produced by Canyonback Films, 2011.
