Stand up and cheer for the practically perfect documentary “imperfect” THE FILM and take a listen to this exclusive in-depth interview with co-directors BRIAN MALONE and REGAN LINTON (who is also a performer in the film) talking about the Phamaly Theatre Company and its production of “Chicago” and the journey bringing this film to life.
“imperfect” is the story of a group of artists known as the Phamaly Theatre Company and their journey to put on a performance of the acclaimed stage and screen musical by Kander & Ebb and the unforgettable Bob Fosse – “Chicago.” Now for a typical theatre company that normally puts on a play or a musical, this wouldn’t be anything out of the ordinary. But with Phamaly Theatre Company putting on a show, the “special” comes with the performers, each of whom is afflicted with or affected by a disability of some sort be it Parkinson’s Disease, blindness, Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, autism, and more, yet they have the drive and determination to fulfill their dreams and perform.
Having had the privilege of knowing quite a few individuals dealing with disabilities and at one point working with a group dedicated to those with spinal cord injuries, I have seen first-hand the challenges many face just in daily living, let alone in doing musical theatre. I have long said that those described as having a disability are more able-bodied than the rest of us and we see that in spades with “imperfect”.
REGAN LINTON, is an actor, director, writer, and theatre artist who was serving as Artistic Director of Phamaly Theatre Company at the time this documentary was being made and coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Phamaly. A paraplegic working actor, Regan is a nationally-recognized advocate for inclusive practices in the arts, and consistently works with national theatre, film, and television communities around engaging disabled artists. She creates both original work and adaptations of established works that are re-envisioned through the lens of disability aesthetics and here serves as our eyes into the Phamaly production of “Chicago.”
BRIAN MALONE is an award-winning documentarian tackling contemporary issues and social awareness and is known best for Beyond Standing Rock, Re-Engineering Sam, and most recently, News Matters for PBS.
Together Brian and Regan bring us behind-the-scenes into the production of “Chicago”, providing an intimate portrait of each of the performers, individually and collectively, allowing the moviegoing audience to get to know each and connect with them. Watching this journey to put on a show and the individuals who comprise it is humbling. Each battle a disability yet is undeterred in their dreams of performing. Their fortitude and courage are heartfelt, hopeful, and inspiring. I fully expect any audience member who sees this documentary to stand up and cheer in the third act as we arrive at the opening night of “Chicago”. Get ready to applaud and break out the tissues.
Directed by BRIAN MALONE and REGAN LINTON with Brian also serving as cinematographer and editor, “imperfect” features Phamaly Theatre Company performers Regan Linton, Megan McGuire, Erin Schneider, Leonard Barrett Jr., Laurice Quinn, Lucy Roucis, Phillip Lomeo, Adam Johnson, and Sam Barrasso.
In this no holds barred exclusive interview, Brian and Regan cover everything “imperfect”, encompassing not only the filmmaking process but the theatrical production of “Chicago” itself, from the challenges of casting (more so here than with an able-bodied cast), to Brian and Regan’s collaboration (which began over a medical video of bowel management), stage rehearsals, filming schedule of rehearsals, editing process and ensuring a balance that showcases each Phamaly member and performer, finding a through-line to the documentary, creating the opening night montage, a poignant epilogue and more.
TAKE A LISTEN. . .
by debbie elias, exclusive interview 01/12/2022
“imperfect” is screening at:
- the virtual Slamdance Film Festival (January 7 to February 6)
- the in-person & virtual Santa Fe Film Festival (February 3 to February 13).
