The Boys In The Band

[edjames]

I went to the brilliant revival of The Boys In The Band presented by the Transport Group last night.

 

The original play was done in 1968 and the movie was released in 1970. While I never got to see the original production, the movie fascinated me as I saw it one year after coming out.

 

This production stays fast and hard to the original. The actors are about as close as one can come to the original cast. For some, this may be a distraction but for me, it was like revisiting an old group of friends I hadn't seen in a very long time.

 

The only negative part of this production is the "theater." More of a loft space meant to be Michael's apartment the audience sits around and almost in the middle of the production. I am not sure how seating was assigned. I was told I had a general admission seat yet when I walked in 99% of the seats had "reserved' tacked on them! If you go, check on the seating, arrive early to get what few good seats there are.

 

This is a terrific cast and I couldn't have asked for a better theatrical experience. The play holds up well. Many still suffer from the angst and emotional baggage the play portrays.

 

The show is on a very limited run and ends March 18th. For more info go to:

 

http://www.transportgroup.org

 

The Transport Group is presenting a series of readings of Mart Crowley plays. Check the website for more info. I've booked a ticket for the reading of The Men From the Boys next Sunday evening which is the sequel to The Boys In The Band. The friends all meet again 40 years later at Larry's wake.

 

This is going to be a really "gay" play week for me, up next are Next Fall and Pride.

 

ED

[Guest greatness]

Lucky you~~

 

I wish I were there~~

 

I went to the brilliant revival of The Boys In The Band presented by the Transport Group last night.

 

The original play was done in 1968 and the movie was released in 1970. While I never got to see the original production, the movie fascinated me as I saw it one year after coming out.

 

This production stays fast and hard to the original. The actors are about as close as one can come to the original cast. For some, this may be a distraction but for me, it was like revisiting an old group of friends I hadn't seen in a very long time.

 

The only negative part of this production is the "theater." More of a loft space meant to be Michael's apartment the audience sits around and almost in the middle of the production. I am not sure how seating was assigned. I was told I had a general admission seat yet when I walked in 99% of the seats had "reserved' tacked on them! If you go, check on the seating, arrive early to get what few good seats there are.

 

This is a terrific cast and I couldn't have asked for a better theatrical experience. The play holds up well. Many still suffer from the angst and emotional baggage the play portrays.

 

The show is on a very limited run and ends March 18th. For more info go to:

 

http://www.transportgroup.org

 

The Transport Group is presenting a series of readings of Mart Crowley plays. Check the website for more info. I've booked a ticket for the reading of The Men From the Boys next Sunday evening which is the sequel to The Boys In The Band. The friends all meet again 40 years later at Larry's wake.

 

This is going to be a really "gay" play week for me, up next are Next Fall and Pride.

 

ED

[foxy]

I saw the original production in 1968. I was blown away. The first play I ever saw about gay men. Today a lot of younger gay men often don't relate to the play. Gay men who hate themselves. What's up with that? Still it's important to remember it wasn't always so easy to be gay. I'm not sure it is even today.

 

Now this is a kind of "Six Degrees of Separation" thing for me.

 

Years later I worked with a man who was the basis for the character Michael. Mart Crowley rented this man's house in Fire Island one summer, and according to him, Crowley wrote most of the play in his house that summer. I can't swear it's the truth but I suspect it was.

[edjames]

The NY Post gave it a rave review today:

 

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/theater/reviews/cocktails_and_crossfire_Sg3mBfFsU5th3p6nHq96UP

 

This interview with Mart Crowley from the latest issue of Gay City News may dispel some of the rumors about the who, how, where and why Mart wrote the play. It is very interesting.

 

http://www.gaycitynews.com/articles/2010/02/20/gay_city_news/arts/doc4b7dae1051fe8594054749.txt

 

ED

[edjames]

Sorry I forkgot this lin to the NY Daily News which also gave it a great review today. I'm sure the producers and cast are gathering to celebrate and perhaps talk about extending the run!

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2010/02/22/2010-02-22_back_with_the_boys_in_the_band.html

 

I think I now know why the seating was so limited Saturday night...reviewers!

 

ED