By Jennifer La Lima and Marley Seaman
ANCHOR, Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation, is a non-profit, Long Island based organization that offers many activities, including sports, summer camp, dances, and a drama program. The drama program is based out of Grand Avenue Middle School in Bellmore, where actors use the school's stage for rehearsal and the final product. Because of many after-school activities, ANCHOR actors are sometimes moved from the stage to the school's hallways or cafeteria.
The film's producer and director, Mathew Makar of West Hempstead, said he hopes that the program can eventually acquire its own stage.
"We're hoping "Yellow Brick Road" will raise awareness about the importance of programs like ANCHOR," Makar said. "It is vital that programs like this exist. For some, ANCHOR is their whole lives. This film can really help people."
"Yellow Brick Road" is a sensitive, often funny look at the winter drama troupe as it works to stage "The Wizard of Oz." Through four months of rehearsals, Makar brings to life the dedication that the cast and directors Sandy Braun and Joe Lentini brought to the project. The leading actors, who cover a wide range of ages and come from towns across Nassau, each come to life as people and as thespians. John Stoehr of Rockville Centre, who has a deep knowledge of film, does a skilled re-creation of Bert Lahr, the Cowardly Lion in the original "Wizard of Oz" movie.
The Scarecrow, Danny Samuals of Valley Stream, is a loose-limbed, naturally gifted actor trying to balance rehearsals with his work schedule. David Tindal of Baldwin, is an independent and strong-willed man with a warm sense of humor about himself, and Tricia Mcintosh, as Dorothy, is a young actress on the verge of growing out of her ANCHOR group.
The concept of the documentary came from Makar's love and respect for his brother Danny, an ANCHOR actor who has Down Syndrome. After filming a previous ANCHOR play as a gift to Danny, Makar found the backstage footage to be particularly moving.
"As I was editing the play's footage, I was very inspired by the emotions of the actors behind the scenes," Makar said. "I decided to film their next play [The Wizard of Oz] as a showcase and celebration of their lives. We wanted to make a film that wasn't a conventional disability documentary. I just think it means the world to these guys. They are on TV on their own terms."
Makar and co-director Keith Rondinelli used said they took a fly-on-the-wall approach to filming. They did not want to disturb or intrude upon the natural behavior of the actors in rehearsal. Shots were taken from hallways and from long distances.
Makar and the cast never imagined their film would eventually make it to HBO.
Members of the ANCHOR cast, and their families, attended the film's premiere in New York City at HBO on Dec. 13. Outside the premiere, Makar noticed a crowd gathering. In the center stood his brother Danny, happily signing autographs for his newfound fans.
After the HBO screening, most of the cast members saw themselves on the silver screen at the film's local premiere on Dec. 15. About 100 people came to the Bellmore Theatre on Petit Avenue for the event.
"This was actually the first time I've ever seen myself on the big screen," said Tindal. "This is like the highlight of my career."
Tindal is perhaps the emotional core of the film. He said the most difficult part of the experience was the repeated interviews in the documentary. "When you're a big star, that's what happens," he joked.
Tindal is often found backstage, rehearsing or singing one of his favorite Barry White songs. Tindal is usually restricted to a wheelchair, but with the help of a cane he was able to walk out onto the stage for his final bow.
In the film, Braun responded to Tindal's curtain call with pride. Braun said, "Here you have someone who is so trapped by his physical disability, but nothing will beat down his spirit."
"Yellow Brick Road" aired on Sunday, Dec. 25 at 7:15 a.m. Check listings for future air dates.
SIDEBAR
For those who would like to help ANCHOR actors acquire their own stage, donations can be sent to:
ANCHOR Program Fund
630 Lido Blvd.
Lido Beach, NY 11561
