The Tallgrass Film Festival Closing Night Gala, sponsored by Jean Garvey, will shine a spotlight on Broadway, with the Midwest Premiere of THE STANDBYS (USA, 2012). Director Stephanie Rigg and Star Ben Crawford will attend and participate in the Q&A following the film, moderated by Music Theatre of Wichita's Producing Artistic Director Wanye Bryan.

Every night on Broadway, dozens of the best performers aren’t on stage. They are backstage, standing by, ready to go on at a moment’s notice. The unique and challenging lives of Broadway’s Understudies and Standbys are revealed in this evocative and original behind-the-scenes documentary. THE STANDBYS follows a variety of undiscovered performers for several years through their ups and downs, struggles and triumphs, onstage performances and private lives. When these Standbys are finally given the chance of a lifetime, anything can – and does – happen. Never-before-heard stories from industry insiders and celebrities reveal the unimaginable struggles these under-appreciated performers endure as they wait in the wings for their shot at a dream that may never come true.

The film also stars Merwin Foard and Alena Watters and features interviews with a plethora of Broadway stars and former standbys including Cady Huffman, John Leguizamo, Bebe Neuwerth.

The movie is followed by the Closing Night Party at The Lux, with open bar, eats and DJ Teri Mott. ($25 includes film and party.)

Official Site