College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

• October 22, 2007
  

  ISU Theatre opens spring season with "The Boys Next Door"

• Tom Griffin's play, "The Boys Next Door," appeals to Patrick Gouran on number of levels.

  But the primary reason that Gouran wanted to direct the Iowa State University Theatre production early in February was because the characters "tell it like it is."

  "These characters don't need self-help gurus or pop psychiatrists to tell them how or when to express their feelings," Gouran says. "They don't need anyone to tell them what they feel. They just let it all hang out.

  "In this time of cynicism there is an honesty and sincerity about these men that really appeals to me."

  "The Boys Next Door" is the story of four mentally challenged men living in a communal residence in New England. The story of their daily life is told through the perspective of Jack, the increasingly "burned out" social worker who teaches and looks after them.

  Filled with humor, the play is also marked by compassion and understanding – it touchingly communicates that these four men are like everybody else who want to love and be loved and find some meaning and purpose in their lives.

  Gouran says that although the primary characters are mentally challenged, Griffin's play is sensitive to their conditions.

  "In no way are the characters belittled or mocked," Gouran says. "Each character is approached like they are no different from anyone else. The playwright is so sincere and honest in achieving the goals of these characters."

  The characters' "habit" of "telling like it is" often produces humor in "The Boys Next Door."

  "There is a great deal of humor in this play," Gouran says, "and much of it comes from the every day kind of experiences the characters encounter."

  "The Boys Next Door' will be performed Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1-2, at 7:30 p.m. in Fisher Theater. A 2 p.m. matinee is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 3.

  The four mentally challenged men are portrayed by John Flotho, Ben Passer, William T. Mort and Brendan Dunphy. Other cast members include Andrew Schmeisser, Kelly Teitsworth, Carrie Taylor, Michael Rubke and Marty Ellenberger.
  
  Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for students and children. All ISU Theatre tickets are available at the Iowa State Center Ticket office at 515-294-2479.

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