Theatre Conservatory takes its time to develop and perfect each and all of its plays. One of the plays that students will have the opportunity to enjoy is "The Boys Next Door".
"The Boys Next Door" is a comedy drama produced by Tom Griffin and it depicts the life of four residents who live together and have something in common. All four of them are developmentally disabled and they strive to their dignity, humanity and humor.
The New York Times raves that, "'The Boys Next Door' moves the audience to an awareness of how many things in everyday life we take for granted..."
Holly Logue is a professor, the coordinator of the Kean Theatre Conservatory and the director of "The Boys Next Door". Logue wanted students to understand that the purpose of the play is to show that passion can shine through any circumstance.
"The purpose of the play? If I understand the question properly, the purpose would be to shed light on the lives and situations of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Told by their social worker, the play provides a snapshot of a few lives; it’s about a new love, a new job, a fresh streak of bravery. It’s giving and asking for help, and ushering the people you love toward the things that light up their lives," Logue explained. "Above all else, "The Boys Next Door" tells the story of the human ability to heal and to hold up one another. In giving and receiving help, we look the other person in the eye and see them truly, for their inimitable set of fears, strengths, and passions."
Logue encountered all of the performances outcomes and hopes that students and guests will leave the play with a sense of joy, humor and understanding.
"We never know how audiences will react until they see the play, but based on the humor and poignancy in the script, I think audiences will love it! When the play was originally produced in the mid 1980s it got great reviews," said Logue.
The play will be running from Friday Nov. 10 to Saturday Nov. 18 with many chances to catch a glimpse of the masterpiece. The times are as followed:
- Friday Nov. 10, 2017 at 8 p.m.
- Saturday Nov. 11, 2017 at 2 and 8 p.m.
- Sunday Nov. 12, 2017 at 1 p.m.
- Wednesday Nov. 15, 2017 at 8 p.m.
- Thursday Nov. 16, 2017 at 5 p.m.
- Friday Nov. 17, 2017 at 8 p.m.
- Saturday Nov. 18, 2017 at 2 and 8 p.m.
"The show opens Friday, Nov. 10 at 8 pm in the Zella Fry Theatre (VE 118). It continues on the 11th with performances at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday the 12th at 1 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m.; Thursday the 16th with a 5 p.m. 'after work' time, followed by a talk back with the cast, crew, and some special guests who are experts in the subject matter. Then there is a performance on Friday, Nov. 17th at 8, and our final performances are 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18th," Logue mentioned.
This is one funny and impactful story because we all want to find love, laughter and purpose in our lives despite the circumstances and the people who are a part of this play have developed and are fit for each role.
"Our process of choosing plays to produce at Kean involves the theater faculty determining what skills the theater students need to be developing, and what genres and topics we want to share with our audiences. I have always loved "The Boys Next Door", and though I typically direct the large musicals at Kean, I requested that I not do the musical this year so that I could work on this play," Logue emphasized.
If students have any questions or would like to learn more about the play, they can email hlogue@kean.edu for more information.
Stop by and enjoy the show!
