I love horror films. I love musicals. Put the two of those genres together, and some magical things are bound to happen - but sometimes, the results are merely so-so.
Stage Fright tells the tale of two siblings, Camilla and Buddy Swanson, who work as chefs at the drama camp that is run by their step-father, played by Meatloaf. Years ago, their mother - a successful Broadway actress - was brutally murdered by a psycho in a white mask during a production of a play, entitled "The Haunting of the Opera". Since then, Buddy has developed a hatred of all things having to do with theatre, while his sister has inherited her mother's good looks and talents.
When the happy-go-lucky theatre troupe at camp Center Stage decide to host a revival of "The Haunting of the Opera" for their summer production, Camilla immediately takes interest and auditions. She wows everyone, including the slimy director who expects sexual favors in return for giving leading roles to his actresses.
During rehearsals, a masked killer begins to pick off the campers one by one, in increasingly brutal ways - and with musical accompaniment! As the film progresses, secrets are revealed that lead to a twist ending, in the tradition of sneaky slashers like Sleepaway Camp.
Stage Fright is a lot of fun, even if the musical segments don't quite work. The songs themselves seem thrown together at the last minute, and aren't very catchy or memorable. There are many not-so-subtle jabs at the theatrical community that seem mean-spirited instead of funny, and this is a distraction. However, it is fun while it lasts, and comes recommended with reservations.
Stage Fright tells the tale of two siblings, Camilla and Buddy Swanson, who work as chefs at the drama camp that is run by their step-father, played by Meatloaf. Years ago, their mother - a successful Broadway actress - was brutally murdered by a psycho in a white mask during a production of a play, entitled "The Haunting of the Opera". Since then, Buddy has developed a hatred of all things having to do with theatre, while his sister has inherited her mother's good looks and talents.
When the happy-go-lucky theatre troupe at camp Center Stage decide to host a revival of "The Haunting of the Opera" for their summer production, Camilla immediately takes interest and auditions. She wows everyone, including the slimy director who expects sexual favors in return for giving leading roles to his actresses.
During rehearsals, a masked killer begins to pick off the campers one by one, in increasingly brutal ways - and with musical accompaniment! As the film progresses, secrets are revealed that lead to a twist ending, in the tradition of sneaky slashers like Sleepaway Camp.
Stage Fright is a lot of fun, even if the musical segments don't quite work. The songs themselves seem thrown together at the last minute, and aren't very catchy or memorable. There are many not-so-subtle jabs at the theatrical community that seem mean-spirited instead of funny, and this is a distraction. However, it is fun while it lasts, and comes recommended with reservations.
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