Watch Still Dreaming

Still Dreaming is a touching and inspiring documentary film that follows a group of retired actors as they gather in a small town in upstate New York to stage a new production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream at a local charity theater. The film is directed by Hank Rogerson and Jilann Spitzmiller and features a cast of talented actors including Mayleen Adams, Gloria Albee, and Noah Brody.

The film starts by introducing the audience to the fascinating world of the Lillian Booth Actors Home, a retirement home for actors and performers located in Englewood, New Jersey. We meet a group of elderly actors and actresses who are living out their golden years at the home and who share a deep passion for the theater. Many of these actors have had long and distinguished careers on Broadway, in television, and in movies, but now they find themselves facing the realities of old age and declining health.

Still Dreaming follows a group of these retired actors as they travel to the small town of Staatsburg, NY to put on a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at a local community theater. The project is a collaborative effort between the Lillian Booth Actors Home and the renowned Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, and it has been organized as a way to provide these older actors with a new creative outlet and a chance to reconnect with their love of performing.

The film captures the ups and downs of the rehearsal process as the actors struggle to memorize their lines, navigate the complexities of Shakespeare's language, and adjust to the challenges of performing on an unfamiliar stage. We watch as they work closely with the young and enthusiastic members of the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, who serve as mentors and guides throughout the production.

One of the most inspiring aspects of Still Dreaming is seeing the sheer joy and enthusiasm that these actors bring to the project. Despite their age and physical limitations, they are fully committed to giving their best performance and bringing the magic of Shakespeare's play to life.

We also see how the project has a profound impact on the lives of the actors themselves, as well as on the local community. For many of the retired actors involved in the project, it is a chance to rediscover their passion for the theater and to connect with a new group of like-minded people. For the citizens of Staatsburg, the production is a welcome cultural event that helps to bring the community together and celebrate the power of the arts.

Throughout the film, we are treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of the rehearsal process, as well as intimate interviews with the actors themselves, who share their thoughts and feelings about the production, their long careers in the theater, and the importance of staying active and engaged in their later years. These interviews offer a fascinating look into the minds and hearts of these remarkable individuals, who have spent their lives entertaining and inspiring others through their craft.

Ultimately, Still Dreaming is a feel-good movie that celebrates the power of art and the human spirit. It is a heart-warming tribute to the resilience, creativity, and passion of these retired actors who refuse to let age be a barrier to their dreams. Whether you are a fan of Shakespeare or simply someone who is looking for a little inspiration and uplift, Still Dreaming is a movie that is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of life.

Still Dreaming is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.8.