New Film “Ham: A Musical Memoir”

Sam Harris talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ about his new must-see film “Ham: A Musical Memoir” based on the Tony Award nominee and multi-platinum recording artist’s critically acclaimed book. The Global Digital Releasing film is currently available on Laemmle’s virtual platform before heading to BroadwayHD the premiere subscription service for live theater where it will begin streaming exclusively January 7th, 2021. “Ham: A Musical Memoir” is produced by Suzi Dietz, directed for the screen by Andrew Putschoegl, directed for the stage by Ken Sawyer and features musical director/co-composer Todd Schroeder. The original stage production in which Harris plays twelve different characters was developed and directed by Tony and Emmy-Award winning actor Billy Porter. “Ham” ran in New York and Los Angeles and was filmed at The Pasadena Playhouse. The play received Ovation Awards for Best Musical, Best Actor and Best Musical Director. “Ham: A Musical Memoir” is the comic and poignant true story of Sam Harris’s life growing up gay 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 which led to depression and a suicide attempt. Sam then fled to Los Angeles where he sang at every dump and dive in town until finally ending up on a new TV show called “Star Search” winning the hearts of America which led to opportunities on Broadway, television, albums and Carnegie Hall. But after the highs and lows of a life in show business Sam is finally forced to confront the merciless question: what is enough? We talked to Harris about what he hopes to accomplish with “Ham: A Musical Memoir” and his spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Sam Harris' career has spanned more than two decades from a singer/songwriter on stage, screen and television to acting, writing, producing and directing. Harris is a multimillion selling recording artist with nine studio albums to his credit. He can also be heard on numerous concert, guest artist and cast recordings. He has toured extensively in concert and has played to sold-out audiences at major venues including New York's Carnegie Hall, Los Angeles' Universal Amphitheatre and London's West End. Harris has also had a stellar career on Broadway receiving a Tony, Outer Critic’s Circle and Drama Desk nominations for his work in Cy Coleman’s “The Life” along with a Drama League Award and Drama Desk nomination. Sam has recently released his first book of fiction “The Substance of All Things” to rave reviews. Harris lives in Los Angeles with his husband Danny Jacobsen and their son Cooper Atticus Harris-Jacobsen.  

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