BWW Reviews: Stimulating CHOIR BOY Resonates at Geffen
By: Don Grigware Oct. 03, 2014
Choir Boy/by Tarell Alvin McCraney/directed by Trip Cullman/Geffen Playhouse/through October 26 only
Tarell Alvin McCraney quite ingeniously explores the inner workings of a contemporary posh big city prep school by pitting five underclassmen against each other as they attempt to find unison in the school's choir. Nothing has changed in the course of the school's longevity; problems that once were a priority, still are. Choir Boy is dexterously directed by Trip Cullman and has a near to perfect acting/singing ensemble, now at the Geffen through October 26 only.
McCraney's strong point is blending the music with the substance of the play. The boys act out their scenarios and the traditional spirituals are sung between scenes providing focus, some consolation and an attempt at some type of unity for the troubled teens. Isn't music a comfort? It always was for me when I was growing up. God help me without the choir and its good old-fashioned values. It sustained me, as it does Drew's five boys.
These five African American boys, one gay, cannot find harmony as they study and try to deal with their own angst, doubt and fears in the light of the school's traditional instruction. Pharus Young (Jeremy Pope) is lead choir singer ... and gay, a fact he must keep closeted in order to uphold the honor of the school, even though his fellow classmates know and heckle him about his sexuality. Everyone knows his condition including Headmaster Marrow (Michael A. Shepperd), but it is swept under the rug and not discussed. Bobby Marrow (Donovan Mitchell), the headmaster's nephew, is Pharus' chief homophobe, and he and his sidekick Junior (Nicholas L. Ashe) are a disruptive influence on the progress of the choir. When Mr. Pendleton (Leonard Kelly-Young) is brought in to teach a seminar and direct the choir, he is appalled at the intense ferocity among the student body and does his best to bring peace and to give the boys a better overall sense of pride and positive motivation. David (Caleb Eberhardt), who wants to become a minister, has difficulty accepting Pharus' openly fey behavior, or at least that's what he says publicly, and Anthony (Grantham Coleman), the school's strongest athlete and completely straight, agrees, at first reluctantly, to be Pharus' roommate when no one else will accept. Thus, Pharus pretty much stands alone, and when an incident occurs in the showers and he is hit by one of the other students, Bobby, Junior, Anthony and David are all suspect and interrogated by Marrow. Graduation ends the play, but rather than a happy ending what we are left with is a realistic acceptance of a glimmer of hope for the future, even though we know full well that politics and homosexuality make totally strange bedfellows.
Under Cullman's expert guidance, the ensemble are outstanding. Young is dynamite as Pharus, winning our vote and sympathy for his individuality. Shepperd really brings out the complexities of being in charge, a basically nice guy with a lot of bluster. Kelly-Young is wonderfully stern and sensitive as the new instructor. Mitchell plays the bully to the hilt, Ashe makes himself a semi-loyal friend, and Coleman is perhaps the most loving, comforting boy on the team, eventually lending total support to Pharus. Eberhardt is wonderful as the hypocritical God-fearing student, and has some very tender moments under pressure. The entire cast sing beautifully. David Zinn's simple, functional set design reflects the traditional school environment nicely.
What a little gem of a play where music brings an unexpected force to the play's dialogue and message of peace and harmony! This is a true ensemble effort and totally worthy of your time and faith. Go see Choir Boy through October 26 only!
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