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Choir Boy

Choir Boy at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

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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