To borrow a line from Lloyd Cole, “Oh, my sentimental fool, have I got a tale for you…”
Say hello to the Drama Program of Long Island’s ANCHOR Organization…and before you ask, it stands for Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation. The title’s a bit of a gimme, but in “Yellow Brick Road,” ANCHOR’s group of dramatists have embarked upon a four-month adventure which, at the end of their path, will hopefully find them putting on a rather fine production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Yes, each of the participants is handicapped in some fashion, but it hasn’t dampened their enthusiasm one bit. In fact, if anything, it serves to make them some of the least-jaded actors you’ve ever come across.
Let’s stop for a minute and consider what I’ve just written. Now, if you like documentaries at all, then based on this description, there are really only about three reactions you can have:
1. Oh, wow, that sounds like such a sweet story!
2. Yeah, I don’t know about that. Handicapped people make me feel kind of uncomfortable.
3. Hey, I don’t play this whole “politically correct” game, but does “handicapped” mean “retarded”? ‘Cause if it does, this is gonna be awesome!
Okay, if your reaction is closest to #3, then you’re a jackass and probably shouldn’t be watching this film. If your reaction is closest to #2, well, okay, I understand where you’re coming from, and, yes, it is sometimes can be little difficult to be around handicapped people when you’re not used to being around them, but we’re not tyrants here at Premium Hollywood. I mean, no-one’s forcing you to watch “Yellow Brick Road.” But for the record, let me assure those of you whose reaction echoed #1 that you’re right, this is a sweet story…and if there’s any question as to whether or not you’re going to find yourself caught up in it, it’s answered within the first few minutes, when the girl who gets the role of Miss Gulch literally bursts into tears of joy at the news of her casting, unable to even catch her breath. (“I have to call my mom,” she manages to get out between her sobs, clambering over her fellow cast members as she tries to leaves the aisle and make a mad dash to a pay phone.)
Oh, yeah. This is one mother of an uplifting flick.
Directors Keith Rondinelli and Matthew Makar offer a close look at several of the cast members and how they live decidedly full lives even with their handicaps. They also aren’t afraid to acknowledge the occasional frustration suffered by the director of the production, who – let’s face it – has a bit of a challenge on her hands with her thespians. Still, after much work, many practices, and occasional moments of panic (will the Scarecrow need to be replaced?), these individuals pull off a highly successful “Wizard of Oz,” providing an ending with enough heart to rival that of the Tin Man.
