Choir Boy at Portland Center Stage

The Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys is dedicated to the creation of strong, ethical black men. Pharus wants nothing more than to take his rightful place as leader of the school’s legendary gospel choir. Can he find his way inside the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key?

Choir Boy, written by Tarell Alvin McCraney, is a powerful coming-of-age play that explores themes of identity, sexuality, and tradition within a prestigious African American boys' prep school.

The play centers around Pharus Jonathan Young, a talented young student who yearns to be the leader of the school's celebrated gospel choir. Phares, with his quiet confidence and flamboyant personality, stands out among his peers. His ambition to lead the choir clashes with the school's rigid expectations of masculinity and the implicit homophobia present within the institution.

Authors

• Tarell Alvin McCraney