Nerds That Geek Movie Review – ‘HAM: A Musical Memoir’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘HAM: A Musical Memoir’.
​
When it comes to theater, there is no style of show that is trickier and riskier, than the one-man show. Because the whole point of theater, is to entertain the audience and ignite awe and wonder from them, all so that they lose themselves within the experience of a live action show. But the one-man show, well it more or less serves as the anthesis of what theater stands for. Because the fourth wall is non-existent during these shows, since they are truly about one person’s life experiences and therein lies the risk. Because when a show is devoid of charisma and showmanship, the performer risks losing the audience and that is why this style of theater has evolved as the years roll along.
​
For the performers that attempt this incredible style of show, know that they have to wow and entice and engage the audience and that’s led to some powerful one-man shows over the years, the kind complete with colorful characters that help us to enjoy some semblance of theater before things get heavy. But while adding a little theatrics to a personal journey makes this type of show a tad more palatable, there are still risks involved. Because maintaining the perfect balance of showmanship and honesty, are the keys to making this work, and anything less, could lead to disaster on the stage. But when a performer puts together this type of show and figures out that balance, well the end result is nothing short of pure magic and for proof… then look no further than the recently released film; HAM: A Musical Memoir.

Now in this particular musical we spend a little time with Sam Harris, which is a name that should definitely ring some bells. Simply because Sam was thrust into the spotlight in the early 1980s when he dominated the television talent show, Star Search, by winning it week in and week out and well, that incredible introduction to show business led to quite the career for Sam. One that saw him become a staple of the stage. But while his introduction to fame and struggles in showbiz are important and relevant to this show, what makes this musical so powerful and fascinating and moving is that Sam takes us on quite the incredible journey. One that reflects upon the struggles he's faced in life and the career that he always dreamed of in a perky and powerful manner. Something that Sam accomplishes by finding that perfect balance that we made mention of a moment ago. ​

---

Because this show knows exactly when to use the music and when to it tone it down in order to properly tell Sam's story, and using this structure allows for Sam to easily transition from memory to memory and it also allows for him to connect with the audience in supremely unique and special manner. Because every musical number he performs is designed to evoke a feeling from a moment in his life and that is what draws the audience in immediately, because we also associate music with poignant and formative moments we've experienced. Which allows for us to connect with Sam on a fundamental level and truly understand what he felt in that moment, and that really is quite the surprise. One that is further enhanced by the fact that Sam outright bares his soul to the audience.

Because this musical journey allows for us to learn about his struggles with depression and his brushes with suicide and how hard it was for him to embrace his sexuality since he grew up in the Bible Belt of America and started his career at a time when the LGBTQ+ community was shunned in every way imaginable. And being able to hear about his struggles and how he overcame the dark stuff and learned to embrace who he is and not be ashamed in the slightest, makes for one powerful experience for certain. For it teaches us to savor the moment and the good that comes into our lives since those moments will never come again and most important of all, Sam’s story makes it clear to anyone that is sharing in some of his struggles or feels like an outcast; that life will in fact get better.

Which is a wonderful message to find within the framework of a one-man show, since these are often designed to simply tell a person’s story and nothing more. But having deeper meaning present here, really does speak to the fact that Sam is grateful for his experiences and his time in the limelight and that he wants to give something back to those who supported him and really, in the end, this particular film is an outright must see. For it really is a perfect one man show, since it is filled to the brim with toe tapping moments, laughter and tears and everything in between. So, if you’re looking for something wonderful and inspiring to enjoy in the midst of all this madness, then definitely give HAM a watch. Because you can never go wrong with a show that celebrates life and everything good and bad that it has to offer.

‘HAM: A Musical Memoir’ is available to stream via Laemmle Theaters right now.

---