BWW Reviews: An Enchanting Evening With THE BOYS NEXT DOOR

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.

To begin, Mr. Irwin has assembled a crack-ensemble of actors whose chemistry is palpable. As Norman Bulansky, Buddy Mahoney is at turns riotously funny, obsessing over his ring of keys or plates full of doughnuts, and then lovably endearing as he courts a young woman named Sheila who has similar disabilities. His performance is studiously crafted from physicality to vocal nuance, and a true showcase for his acting prowess. Vincent Orduna is also hilarious and heart-breaking as Lucien P. Smith, the most challenged of the group. Despite being unable to read, Lucien insists on checking out books from the library, which results in accusations that he is not as disabled as he appears to be. When he and Jack meet with the "State Snick" (Senate) for him to be evaluated, the audience holds its breath...it is the most affecting scene in the show. Roland Carette-Meyers is exhausting as Arnold Wiggins, and I mean that entirely as a compliment. His hyperactive, obsessive-compulsive rants are quite amusing, but ultimately draining in their relentlessness and a stark reminder to the audience that caring for these men is no small task. His character also elicits the most compassion because of his mistreatment at the neighborhood grocery store, and by coworkers at the movie theatre where he's employed. Joshua Johnston completes the group home quartet as Barry Klemper, a young man with schizophrenia who fancies himself a pro golfer. Barry idolizes his father, but he's conflicted because they haven't seen each other for several years. When Mr. Klemper does call on his son, the results are disastrous. The camaraderie and chemistry of these four is the heart of the show.

As social worker Jack Palmer, Doug Fahl is amiable and sympathetic, particularly in a scene between his character and Barry toward the end of the play. His struggle throughout is well-wrought, and provides a fine counterpoint to the boys and their antics. Kate Moyer is charming as Norman's love interest Sheila, constantly asking him if he will give her his ring of keys. Michael Ramquist is despicable as Barry's abusive father Mr. Klemper, and Erica Presley and Donald Thorpe are hilarious portraying multiple characters including Sheila's negative friend Clara and Arnold's boss at the movie theatre, Mr. Corbin.

The direction is brisk and engaging, and Mr. Irwin gets maximum return from his cast. Technical aspects are also appealing, with set design by Dana Mitchell and lighting design by Jordan Sell effectively creating the various locales of the play. Costume design by Katie Kuntz is appropriately mid-1980s and sound design by John R. Huddlestun includes tunes like "Forever Young" by Alphaville and "Almost Paradise" by Ann Wilson and Mike Reno, further evoking the era. All of these elements make THE BOYS NEXT DOOR a mirthful and moving experience, so stop by for a visit...it'll do your heart some good.

"THE BOYS NEXT DOOR" from STAGEright performs at Richard Hugo House through May 11^th. For tickets or information, visit them online at www.seattlestageright.org.

Photo credit: Photography Veritas

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