The plot centers around teenager Frankie Brice, a stage crew geek who aspires to become a star on the stage but is held back by the fear of being judged by his other “techie” friends Shirley and Keith. Also, with the competiveness of the drama department, it won’t be easy. Larpay and Bryan Bevans, the stars of the theatre department aren’t very enthusiastic about a techie trying to mess with the cliques that are clearly established at their high school. However, with the help of Barbra Streisand and some self confidence, Frankie overcomes social boundaries and achieves his dream of being in the main stage production of “Funny Girl”. Underneath it all with the help of Barbra, Frankie also learns to face his fear in expressing his love for Ricky, a hot football player that Frankie has a crush on. Through a long journey, Frankie learns about being true to who you are and that your real friends will stick by you when you need it.

“The characters are inspired by the ‘characters’ I encounter in my own life, but also stem from archetypes that exist in pop culture. For example, the characters Bryan and Larpay Bevens clearly mock the Sharpay and Ryan from the High School Musical Movies. The protagonist, however, is strongly based off of my own experiences and ideas,” says Patrick. Making Burr’s story come to life are many talented theatre students. Patrick Burr stars as Frankie Brice. Katie Glass portrays the sassy diva Larpay Bevans accompanied by Matt Ranaudo as her just as sassy brother Bryan. Techies Shirley and Keith will be played by Ashley Delaney and Sam Allison. Taylor Carins will be playing football “hottie” Ricky. And the extravagant role of the beloved Barbra Streisand will be played by Patrick Donovan. All actors will be involved with the editing and technical aspect; however, cameramen Taylor Cairns, Patrick Burr, and Patrick Donovan will be heavily involved in making this film even more enjoyable for all audiences. Also, bringing the characters to life will be Olivia Tabackman who is in charge of costumes, hair, and make-up for the film and plays a small cameo role in the film. Burr has also coordinated to have clubs work with him to make this film unbelievable, including madrigals, the cast of the spring musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” members of the band, and some English classes for big group musical numbers.

Burr says “I was lip syncing Barbra Streisand songs in my room and I thought to myself, ‘Hey wouldn‘t this be a good idea for a movie?’”

Throughout the movie, actors will lip synch musical numbers as the story unfolds, including “Don’t Rain on my Parade,” “The Greatest Star,” “Loathing,” and many other famous songs from musical phenomenon Barbra Streisand and well-known musicals that all audiences will love and enjoy.

Posted on 2010-03-04