HAM: A Musical Memoir

Released Dec 3, 2020

Comedy

Musical

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5 Reviews

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HAM: A Musical Memoir is the comic and poignant true story of Sam Harris's life growing up in Oklahoma's Bible Belt during the 60s and 70s as a sensitive and prodigiously talented kid who dreams of playing Helen Keller at age 5, wishes he was Jewish at 10, finds his voice in the black church at 15, and falls in love with a boy "who looks just like Cary Grant," followed by a depression that leads to a suicide attempt. Sam flees to Los Angeles where he sings at every dump and dive in town, finally ending up on a new TV show called Star Search (precursor to American Idol) winning the hearts of America. Fame ensues -- Broadway, television, albums, Carnegie Hall. But for Sam, less is... less. And more is never enough. After the highs and lows of a life in show business, Sam is finally forced to confront the merciless question: what is enough?

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Audience Member

Ham A musical Memoir is the poignant, powerful, raw and funny real life story of Sam Harris's life growing up a gay man in the Bible Belt of Oklahoma and the pursuit of his dream to be a performer. It is a story of determination and overcoming obstacles. Sam and his brilliant piano player/musical director Todd Schroeder take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. In the end you are left with the hope of inclusiveness for all humans. ❤️❤️❤️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

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Audience Member

Inspired by his book of the same name, Sam Harris skillfully relates anecdotes of growing up a gay man in the buckle of the Bible Belt, as well as his experiences on stages. Sam displays his talents as an author, storyteller, songwriter, and vocalist. It is funny, witty, and dramatic - often at the same time! Kudos to Todd Schroeder, the piano player and musical director. A must see!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

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Andrew Putschoegl

Director

Sam Harris

Actor

Todd Schroeder

Actor

Sam Harris

Screenwriter

Sam Harris

Producer

Suzi Dietz

Executive Producer

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HAM: A Musical Memoir: Trailer 1

2:25

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Roger Moore

Movie Nation

The glory in a simple, formulaic "musical memoir" like this is how familiar this ground has become, how the "you're not alone" and "It gets better" messaging is reinforced with every new incarnation of this well-worn path through "My Wonderless Years."

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 8, 2021

Full Review

Joel Fisher

Battle Royale With Cheese

Ham: A Musical Memoir is great fun for those who have known him since Star Search.

Jan 15, 2021

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M.V. Moorhead

Less Hat, Moorhead

In its broad strokes, it's a familiar story, but a story that works every time, and Harris shuttles effortlessly between the heartfelt and the comically over-the-top.

Dec 23, 2020

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Alan Ng

Film Threat

Diving into Sam's life was fun and you will have fun too...unless you hate musicals.

Rated: 7/10

Dec 8, 2020

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Michael A. Smith

MediaMikes

A filmed version of Harris' award winning off-Broadway show, "HAM: A Musical Memoir" is an entertaining - and deeply moving - look at the life of a boy with a dream and the sacrifices he had to make to keep that dream alive.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 8, 2020

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Synopsis

HAM: A Musical Memoir is the comic and poignant true story of Sam Harris's life growing up in Oklahoma's Bible Belt during the 60s and 70s as a sensitive and prodigiously talented kid who dreams of playing Helen Keller at age 5, wishes he was Jewish at 10, finds his voice in the black church at 15, and falls in love with a boy "who looks just like Cary Grant," followed by a depression that leads to a suicide attempt. Sam flees to Los Angeles where he sings at every dump and dive in town, finally ending up on a new TV show called Star Search (precursor to American Idol) winning the hearts of America. Fame ensues -- Broadway, television, albums, Carnegie Hall. But for Sam, less is... less. And more is never enough. After the highs and lows of a life in show business, Sam is finally forced to confront the merciless question: what is enough?

Director: Andrew Putschoegl
Executive Producer: Suzi Dietz
Screenwriter: Sam Harris
Distributor: Global Digital Releasing
Genre: Comedy, Musical
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 3, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 7, 2021