Choir Boy
Critically acclaimed Choir Boy makes its Steppenwolf debut
Choir Boy
Captivating and fresh
New York Times
Choir Boy
Critically acclaimed Choir Boy makes its Steppenwolf debut
Why see Choir Boy?
From the Writer of Moonlight
After making its US debut at Manhattan Theatre Club's Off-Broadway Stage II in 2013, Choir Boy makes its Steppenwolf premiere. Written by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney, the writer behind the transcendent Moonlight, this multi-layered drama weaves together themes of faith, discrimination, and desire into a lyrical whole. The play is set in an African-American prep school for boys, where a heated debate about gospel music brings simmering sexual and religious tensions to the fore. Trip Cullman (Lobby Hero), who also helmed the Off-Broadway staging, returns to direct.
What is it about?
The Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys is preparing for its 50th Anniversary. It's the kind of establishment that hews close to tradition, so when Pharus, a gay student who has been socially shunned by his peers, is selected to lead the school's choir, it causes a stir. Once Pharus' detractors embark on a hate campaign against him, the headmaster brings in renowned historian Mr. Pendleton to dampen the tension.
Key Information
Audience
Suitable for ages 13 and older due to adult themes
Run Time
One hour, 35 minutes, with no intermission
Dates
Finished Mar 10, 2019
Cast
Chuck Cooper
Austin Pendleton
Jeremy Pope
Nicholas L. Ashe
Daniel Bellomy
Jonathan Burke
Gerald Ceasar
John Clay III
Caleb Eberhardt
Marcus Gladney
J. Quinton Jonhson
Creative
Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney
Directed by Trip Cullman
Reviews
Customer reviews
2 reviews, average rating: (5.0 Stars)
Elise Lammers
Choir Boy
I was at the edge of my seat, feeling everything
the characters were feeling and at the same
time totally captivated by the song and dance
and spirit. The storytelling starts in
conventional theatrical ways through words
and actions, and is carried through to an
abstract, raw emotional place with a cappella
adaptations of spirituals and sharp, modern
and west African inspired dance movements
that serve more as extensions of the words
than to add aesthetic. It used simple elements
to tell a deeply relatable and complex story,
proving that the human experience is most
effectively shared with nothing more than our
words, bodies, vulnerabilities. ... Read more
Rachel P.
Awe inspiring, poignant, riveting, yet oh so funny!
As far as I’m concerned this is a masterpiece! I
turned around during the play and my
nephews’ jaw had dropped.
The piece is monumentally unique, and the a
cappella singing gorgeous. The choreography
and the ability of these super talented men to
play High School Boys was phenomenal. Every
actor gave 100%. Lighting, Set and Costume
design was superb. I give it 5 stars!!! ... Read more
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