Steppenwolf's 'Good Boys' Have Fast Times at St Joe's High

In a country obsessed with celebrity and scandal, Good Boys and True offers a menacing microcosm set in the 1980's at an all male Jesuit private school. This glimpse into history shows us further that Americans are fascinated with the problems and woes of anyone who is in a place of further privilege than themselves. The world premiere of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's poignant script offers an audience an enticing look at children, their parents and how the choices both make can affect the rest of their lives.

The story revolves around three central characters. Brandon (Stephen Louis Grush) is a high school senior at (as he arrogantly points out in his opening monologue) the finest private school in Washington D.C. A sex tape surfaces at the school and Brandon is the prime suspect as the male half of the raunchy duo videotaped. His mother Elizabeth (Martha Lavey) is tortured with the implications such a tape could have on her son's and family's future and reputation. Justin (Tim Rock) is Brandon's secret, gay lover and worries that Brandon is lying to him.

The script flows seamlessly and Aguirre-Sarcasa weaves the story smoothly, letting the scandal unfold for us as an audience, just one step ahead of the characters. References to the 80's are specific, effective and never overbearing.  Aguirre-Sarcasa chooses to let the initial scandal unfold between the adult characters of the play, letting us see what is perceived and uncovered about the boys of St. Joseph's. As Act 1 progresses, we see how this scandal is effecting the children who are directly involved in this scandal. By the end of Act 1, so much is at stake for our three central characters.  Brandon's future is at stake, Elizabeth worries she'll never be able to look at her son the same way and Justin aches at the thought of losing the man he loves. In Act 2, the layers of deceit uncoil further. Through a series of well-placed flashbacks and character confrontations, Aguirre-Sarcasa brings us closer to the characters by forcing themes of class, morality and consequence on the characters and audience, leaving the audience to question where we fit into this moral code.

Director Pam MacKinnon's command and thoughtfulness of the story and characters is very clear and effective, leaving the audience wanting answers to these questions as much as the characters do. Set designer, Tim Rosenthal's simple yet detailed design works beautifully with the flow of the script. Kudos should also be given to costume designer, Nan Cibula-Jenkin's toned-down and natural approach to an era defined by spandex and neon colors. Original music by Rob Milburn and Michael Bordeen sets the mood nicely including an alma mater which opens the show.

Stephen Louis Grush delivers an outstanding and provocative performance as the seventeen year-old Brandon. Steppenwolf Artistic Director and Ensemble Member Martha Lavey is mesmerizing as the torn and distraught Elizabeth and Tim Rock's dorky demeanor is adorable and heartbreaking as the vulnerable Justin.

Good Boys and True grapples with so many base human emotions and questions. When is lying okay? When do you recognize flaws in those older than you? Does consequence ignite regret? Do the choices we make define who we are? As this story unfolds, we are made to answer these questions for ourselves and see the truth of these good boys.

Good Boys and True runs through February 16, 2008 at the Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60614. For information on tickets and show times please visit www.Steppenwolf.org or call the Box Office at (312) 335-1650.

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