Enjoy Katherine S.'s interview with Rueby Wood about Better Nate Than Ever
33Enjoy Katherine S.'s interview with Rueby Wood about Better Nate Than Ever. Rueby Wood is a 15-year-old actor, singer and dancer who starred as Charlie in the first national Broadway tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and has performed in regional theater in and around central New York. Today, we’re talking with him about his title role in the highly anticipated Disney+ musical comedy adaptation of the acclaimed novel Better Nate Than Ever.
Based on the book with the same name, Better Nate Than Ever is a lighthearted and playful musical comedy, filled with showy sets, catchy songs and dreams of being on Broadway. Director and writer Tim Federle is also the author of the semi-autobiographical book, which helps it stay true to the spirit of the story.
Nate Foster (Rueby Wood) is a quirky 13-year-old thespian who loves the theater, but his small town in Pennsylvania doesn’t satisfy his dreams of the stage. When his parents go on a weekend trip out of town, he and his friend, Libby (Aria Brooks), run away to New York City to audition for Lilo and Stitch: The Musical on Broadway. Will Nate get the part, or will he be a bust and never see his dreams again?
This movie is very personal to Tim Federle, the director and writer of both the book and movie, as it is an introspective love letter to himself and his childhood. He wants to show the world a glimpse into what it’s like to be in the theater. And as a bit of a theater kid myself, I love how it feels so accurate in how it shows the processes the characters go through, like auditions. Rueby Wood, the star of the movie, really shines because of his bubbly personality and beautiful voice. I also love the performances of supporting actors Aria Brooks (Libby) and Lisa Kudrow (Aunt Heidi). Aria seems to care so much about Nate while also finding her true passions. Libby and Nate have such a strong and genuine bond in this movie. Aunt Heidi, the outcast of the family, flawlessly portrays Nate’s supportive aunt and secret idol. The sets have a perfect and distinctive contrast between that of the boring too-small-of-a-town in Pennsylvania, the big skyscrapers and bustling activity of New York City and the colorful destinations of Nate’s dreams in his songs. The New York and Pennsylvania venues are very realistic and tangible, while the sets of the songs are bright and colorful and straight out of a play.
The messages of Better Nate Than Ever are to follow your dreams, as long as you are being rational, and never give up because it produces great fruit. The importance of friendship is also a key theme. This movie does depict some risky behaviors such as teens running away from home and teens having a house party while parents are away. The film also has some bullying and adult references.
I give Better Nate Than Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. This movie releases exclusively on Disney+ on April 1, 2022. https://youtu.be/2KY2ndyC-1o
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