Fresh off its Broadway revival, Windy City Playhouse presents a stellar production of the groundbreaking play The Boys in the Band by Mart Crowley. This unique production immerses you into the birthday party of Harold, and hosted by his friends in a swanky 1968 New York apartment. Friendships are tested and secrets revealed throughout the story of these 9 friends coming together to celebrate Harold’s 32nd year. And you're not just an audience member... you're a guest at their party!
Help yourself to a themed cocktail in the lobby and get ready to arrive. The audience consists of you and about 40 other partygoers, all invited to sit around the perimeter of the action. We are encouraged to move around throughout the evening, so move to a better seat closer to the action if you are so inclined, or grab a bite from the snack bowls.
The host of our party is Michael, portrayed by the dynamic Jackson Evans. Something about his mannerisms and earnestness reminds me of Lin-Manuel Miranda a bit. Evans balances the humor of the show with a healthy dose of realism and drama. His character is insecure about his straight college friend finding out that his party is entirely made up of gay friends. In this pre-Pride world, it can be easy to forget that coming out to people (even at a private party) ran the risk of violence, or at the minimum, hateful language. His character broke my heart with his line toward the end of the show, “If we could just learn to not hate ourselves so very much.” Such a sad reflection of feeling stifled and not free to be ourselves in an oppressive time (have things really changed much?).
Michael's college friend Alan played by Christian Edwin Cook calls him up the night of the party needing to talk. Though he tells Michael he is not coming over, he shows up during a rousing dance number the friends are engaging in, much to Michael's dismay. What follows is a game of keeping Alan in the dark, but when it becomes clear that there are gay men at the party, Alan becomes alarmed, explosive and embarrased. His portrayal was restrained and honest.
“In affairs of the heart, there are no rules.”
What's a party without games? In the case of this show, the game takes a serious tone following a violent encounter. You want a short cut to someone’s most vulnerable place, have them play the truth game. The version Michael decides on is to call the one person you have loved most and tell them your feelings. Michael has his own selfish reasons for bringing this particular game into play, and it has all to do with Alan.
I would be remiss not to mention William Marquez's portrayal of Emory. Marquez's touching monologue about his dentist "friend" (his person for the truth game) was beautifully told, touching, and heart wrenching. He had me hanging on his every word.
I would be remiss not to mention William Marquez's portrayal of Emory. Marquez's touching monologue about his dentist "friend" (his person for the truth game) was beautifully told, touching, and heart wrenching. He had me hanging on his every word.
The set design transported you to the late 60s. Some seating had obstructed views of the gorgeous loft, but then again we are welcome to move around so really it was not an issue. Brilliant use of light designed by Erik S. Barry danced around the space through the windows behind us. The sound of the record player was present but not overpowering, and street sounds designed by Sarah D. Espinoza were well crafted.
The entire cast was strong, everyone seeming to carry equal weight and each having an important piece of the story to tell. I enjoyed watching the little side stories that were happening apart from the script. A great job by director Carl Menninger for assembling such a dynamic ensemble of actors and designers. It was clear that all of these fellows really enjoyed playing together every night.
I spoke to James Lee who played charming and free-spirited Larry after the show. “I think my favorite part of this whole rehearsal process was getting to work with all of these gentlemen. They are so generous, so committed, and so loving that really we are having a ball out there every night. You can fabricate it a little bit (the closeness of a cast) but with this it is very genuine.” This talented group of performers is very tight and I’m sure will continue to have a blast together throughout the run.
The Boys in the Band is playing now through April 19 at Windy City Playhouse located at 3014 W. Irving Park Road.
I spoke to James Lee who played charming and free-spirited Larry after the show. “I think my favorite part of this whole rehearsal process was getting to work with all of these gentlemen. They are so generous, so committed, and so loving that really we are having a ball out there every night. You can fabricate it a little bit (the closeness of a cast) but with this it is very genuine.” This talented group of performers is very tight and I’m sure will continue to have a blast together throughout the run.
The Boys in the Band is playing now through April 19 at Windy City Playhouse located at 3014 W. Irving Park Road.
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