Blackfriars Theatre to Present THE BOYS NEXT DOOR

Blackfriars Theatre continues its 2016-2017 season with Tom Griffin's The Boys Next Door, a touching play that straddles the line between comedy and drama as it tells a story about young men with intellectual or developmental disabilities living in a community residence.

This production marks an artistic partnership with the Arc of Monroe, an organization that has improved the lives of thousands of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in our community for 60 years. Blackfriars has worked previously with the Arc of Monroe to bring individuals they support to the theatre, but this new partnership engages them more directly as artistic consultants and experts, pen pals, teammates and ushers. This collaboration is the latest effort to expand Blackfriars' community outreach and tell stories that reflect our diverse community. In this particular case, it helps the theatre to genuinely translate the truth of these characters to the stage. Throughout rehearsals for The Boys Next Door, a group of men from the Arc who live in a communal residence similar to the characters in the play consulted with the director and actors to bring authenticity to the production.

The play takes place in a New England communal residence where four mentally challenged men live under the supervision of an earnest but increasingly "burned out" young social worker named Jack. Interspersed with funny scenes from their daily lives are also moments of great poignancy when we are reminded that people with disabilities, like the rest of us, want only to love and laugh and to find some meaning and purpose in their brief time on this earth.

"Theatre should not only engage audiences, but also be active and impactful within our community," says Blackfriars' Artistic and Managing Director, Danny Hoskins. "That is why our partnership with ARC of Monroe is so special and also vital for the authenticity of this production."

"Sharing this message of universal acceptance directly with the community of the Arc of Monroe has been both inspiring for the actors and myself. We want to know we're connecting with the very population whom our story is about to reveal the characters' lives in a truthful and honest way to our audience," adds the production's director, Patricia Lewis Browne. "Working on this play has reminded me of all the things we have in common as human beings-the yearnings, dreams, and desire for meaning and purpose in our lives. In a time when fear of the "other" is a divisive force in our national discourse, it is refreshing to encounter a script that encourages us to see beyond external differences to our common humanity. And, yet, it doesn't bash us over the head-the characters' stories are told with empathy and an irreverent sense of humor."

The cast features the incredible talents of Jeff Andrews as Arnold Wiggins, Nancy Berg as Shelia, Davida Bloom as Mrs. Fremus/Mrs. Warren/Clara, Daniel Hart as Barry Klemper, Greg Ludek as Mr. Klemper, Adam Petzold as Jack Palmer, Larry Ploscowe as Norman Bulansky, Jeff Siuda as Mr. Hedges/Mr. Corbin/Senator Clarke, and Reuben Tapp as Lucien, P. Smith. The show is directed by Patricia Lewis Browne.

The Boys Next Door will play at Blackfriars Theatre beginning October 28 and running through November 13. Performances are Fridays, October 28, and November 4 and 11 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays, October 29 and November 5 and 12, at 8:00 p.m. (Note: November 12performance begins at 7 p.m.); Sundays, October 30, November 6, 13 at 2:00 p.m. and Thursdays, November 3 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $28.50-$36.50 and available in person at Blackfriars Theatre, online at www.blackfriars.org, or by calling 585-454-1260. Senior and student discount tickets are available online or through the Box office. If available, tickets can be purchased at the door beginning one hour prior to performance. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover are accepted at no additional charge.

There will also be a special performance of The Boys Next Door to benefit the Arc of Monroe and Blackfriars Theatre at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 12th. Tickets are available for $40 and include a pre-show reception, the performance of Blackfriars Theatre's The Boys Next Door, and an exclusive post-show talkback with the cast, artistic team and representatives from the Arc of Monroe. Visit www.blackfriars.org or call (585) 454-1260 to reserve your tickets to this very special event!

Blackfriars Theatre, a professional, not-for-profit theatre, is located at 795 East Main Street. Parking is available on site. Handicapped seating is available. For more information regarding Blackfriars Theatre, please visit www.blackfriars.org.

The Arc of Monroe's mission is to help people reach their full potential and become a part of the community they live in. The Arc of Monroe has changed the lives of thousands of people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, including autism, for six decades. This year, they celebrate their 60th Anniversary.

Pictured: Jeff Andrews, Daniel Hart, Adam Petzold, Larry Ploscowe and Reuben Tapp

Photos by Dan Howell