Tom Griffin News

One year after relocating the company from Oxnard's Heritage Square to Channel Islands Harbor (at 2731 S. Victoria Ave. Oxnard, CA 93035), the Elite Theatre Company is opening its 21st season by presenting a remarkably real look at the lives of four mentally handicapped men and the kind but increasingly burned out social worker who struggles to keep it all together. On Friday, February 28th, the Elite opens its production of THE BOYS NEXT DOOR by Tom Griffin. This will be the first show in the Elite's 2014 season, entitled 'Wit.' Heart-filled and hilarious, THE BOYS NEXT DOOR runs through April 6th, Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.

'The Boys Next Door' by Tom Griffin opens February 14th at Sam Bass Community Theatre. Directed by Eric Nelson.

Glen Rock resident Mark Mason is featured in The Players Guild of Leonia production opening this weekend. 'I seem to tend to gravitate toward the edgy (Ira in Stephen Fechter's The Woodsman) and the drier comedic (Wayne Seabury in Tom Griffin's Amateurs) shows when I go out for roles. Never having done Mamet before, I figured I'd appreciate trading the witty discourse and technical challenges of, say, summer rep for a chance to rise to the challenge of this script's peppery phrasing and beat-nuanced exchanges. Though I'm daunted by the minimalism of the set design, I trust Claudia's judgement.

BroadwayWorld.com, the largest theatre site on the Internet, is excited to announce a new feature to its comprehensive regional coverage - the Featured Regional Theater of the Week! Each week, BWW will introduce its readers to a regional theater located in one of our (over 130!) coverage cities. By exploring these different venues, their history and showcasing the production seasons, BWW continues its commitment to expand our presence in communities and cities across the United States. This Week's Featured Regional Theater: Bunbury Theatre at the Henry Clay in Louisville, KY

Tom Griffin's 'THE BOYS NEXT DOOR' is a tricky script…its subject matter is a group home in the Boston area housing four mentally-challenged adult men; Arnold, Norman, Lucien and Barry. They have a caretaker, Jack, who lives offsite, and the play progresses through a series of vignettes illustrating the challenges of their everyday lives. As depressing as that may sound, the script has many comic moments, and it's a tightrope to balance the humor with the pathos. It was made into a mildly effective television movie in 1996 featuring Nathan Lane, Courtney B. Vance and Mare Winningham. I say 'mildly effective' because the play has an extra layer of difficulty in that the humor is generated by the plight of its characters…the audience laughs at the behavior and reactions of these damaged men, and without careful direction and acting skill, there could be guilt and self-loathing in the laughter rather than charm and warmth. The TV version fell victim to this, but STAGEright Theatre Company presents a beautiful rendering of the show under the direction of Jay D. Irwin.

With the end of winter fast approaching, there comes a very exciting time of year for theatre-makers everywhere. Awards shows are everywhere, Films and Musicals are a constant topic for any story-telling buff. But this time of year is especially special because all of these things inspire otherwise unearthed talent to show its true colors. Young, old and everywhere in between gather to share their love for performance in what can only be considered the greatest and closest community on the planet. So let's see some shows, shall we?

Due to its overwhelming response, Identity Theater Company has announced that their first adult show, The Boys Next Door by Tom Griffin will have 4 additional performances from Dec 12th through Dec. 15th, 2012. Dec 12-14th at 8 pm and Dec. 15th at 7 pm

Pioneer Theatre Company presents A Christmas Carol: The Musical November 30 - December 15, 2012. Following a ten-year run of sold-out performances at Madison Square Garden, this new musical by the eight-time Oscar-winning composer of Disney's Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid is sure to provide a festive evening of entertainment for the whole family.

Pioneer Theatre Company presents A Christmas Carol: The Musical tonight, November 30 - December 15, 2012.

Pioneer Theatre Company presents A Christmas Carol: The Musical November 30 - December 15, 2012.

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival will complete its 2011-12 season with the Tony Award-winning hit musical comedy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, August 10 through September 2.

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival will complete its 2011-12 season with the Tony Award-winning hit musical comedy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, August 10 through September 2.

The Winthrop Playmakers present The Boys Next Door by A. R. Gurney.

The Windham Theatre Guild continues their 2011-2012 season with The Boys Next Door by Tom Griffin, opening Friday, February 3rd at the Burton Leavitt Theater.

The Windham Theatre Guild continues their 2011-2012 season with The Boys Next Door by Tom Griffin, opening Friday, February 3rd at the Burton Leavitt Theater.

Last year, BroadwayWorld.com, the largest theater website on the Internet, launched a comprehensive Student Database listing college and university performing arts programs across the country. This free service makes it easier for prospective students by showcasing programs searchable by schools, location, degrees and concentrations.