Born for the Stage

WATCH: WCCO piece on Wednesday's BORN FOR THE STAGE Event:

“This film left me speechless and that is hard to do,” -Tony Award Winning Hairspray Composer, Marc Shaiman

When: Wednesday, November 30 at 6pm & 8pm

Where: St. Anthony Main Theatres, 115 SE Main Street, Minneapolis

The 2010 Filmanthropist Award winning film by Partnership Resources, Inc (PRI), Born for the Stage, has been expanded to 26 minutes and will have two special pre-release screenings Wed, Nov 30 at The Film Society’s Screen 3 at the St. Anthony Main Theatre. Born for the Stage celebrates the value of differences and the astonishing accomplishments of the actors with developmental disabilities. The film documents PRI’s efforts to produce the play Hairspray and highlights the unexpected pressures, acclaim and attention that the actors, their families and the organization experience.

For more than 50 years, PRI has supported adults with developmental disabilities by providing vocational, cultural and community involvement opportunities. Five years ago, a PRI client stated that her dream was to appear on stage and she wanted to be an actress. As it turned out, several clients wanted to act on stage. She and the others got their wish. But never in people’s wildest dreams did anyone foresee what was in store for the actors who clearly were “born for the stage”.

Surprise cameo appearances in the film include the writer and director of the original film version of Hairspray, John Waters and Tony Award winning Hairspray composer and lyricist, Marc Shaiman.

The first screening is at 6 pm and includes a live musical revue of favorite songs from plays that PRI has produced. A question and answer session will follow the film showing. Due to early demand, a second evening show is being added at 8 pm. Seating is limited so ordering tickets online is highly encouraged. Tickets are $15.

View a five minute short of Born for the Stage: