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Wednesday, May 28,2008
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Bittersweet Comedy
Theater Review
Sunset
Playhouse tackles a tough challenge with its latest production, The Boys Next Door. Written in 1985, the
play attempts to raise awareness of issues faced by the cognitively disabled.
Often, this type of “message” play is long on exposition and short on
entertainment. The Sunset production, however, manages to balance both elements
quite well. Credit goes to director Mark Salentine for keeping the show on task
throughout its two-and-a-half-hour running time.
The
“boys” referenced in the play’s title are actually grown men. They live together
in a group home under the daily supervision of Jack, a paid caretaker. As the
play progresses, it’s clear that Jack needs his “boys” almost as much as they
need him. Each of the characters has his own peculiarities.
The
play’s humor emanates from the character’s interactions. Perhaps the funniest
is Arnold (Scott Kopischke), who veers between reason and obsession. He is
quick to point out others’ fallibilities while being totally unaware of his own
sometimes bizarre behavior. For instance,
The
playwright doesn’t shy away from the realities faced by these vulnerable
individuals. The men are unwitting stooges for a local grocer. They are
victimized by a bullying co-worker and, in one case, a violent family member.
In general, the men feel that the world is a scary and upsetting place. They
rely heavily on Jack, who is an advocate, protector and teacher. Jack realizes,
however, that he is burning out from the constant demands placed on his time
and energy. The play ends on a bittersweet note as the “boys” come to terms
with Jack’s departure, each in his own special way.
The
Boys Next Door runs
through June 14 at the Furlan Auditorium in Elm Grove.
Also in Theater:
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AP - The Army will substantially reduce use of the unpopular practice of holding troops beyond their enlistment dates and will pay $500 to those still forced to stay in the service, defense and congressional officials said Wednesday.
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(AP)
AP - The chief executive officer of failed insurance conglomerate AIG acknowledged Wednesday that the company's multimillion-dollar bonuses were "distasteful" to many and had provoked a firestorm of wrath. "I share that anger," Edward Liddy, chairman and CEO of the American International Group Inc., said in testimony prepared for Congress.
Analysis: White House, Dems backpedaling on AIG
(AP)
AP - For the first time since last fall's election, Democrats and the Obama administration are backpedaling furiously on an issue easily understood by financially strapped taxpayers: $165 million in bonuses paid out at bailed-out AIG.
Pence: Return AIG donations
(Politico)
Politico - House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence is urging politicians from both parties to strongly consider returning campaign contributions from AIG.
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Top Stories
AIG head shares US anger of bonuses but backs them
(AP)
AP - The chief executive officer of failed insurance conglomerate AIG acknowledged Wednesday that the company's multimillion-dollar bonuses were "distasteful" to many and had provoked a firestorm of wrath. "I share that anger," Edward Liddy, chairman and CEO of the American International Group Inc., said in testimony prepared for Congress.
Obama seeks greater rein on financial institutions
(AP)
AP - President Barack Obama says he wants Congress to pass legislation giving the government greater regulatory authority over financial institutions like American International Group.
Consumer prices rise by largest amount in 7 months
(AP)
AP - Consumer prices rose in February by the largest amount in seven months as gasoline prices surged again and clothing costs jumped the most in nearly two decades.
Crude
