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Overview

Synopsis

Emory, Larry, Hank, Bernard, and Donald all gather at Michael’s apartment to celebrate their friend, Harold’s, birthday. Michael didn’t plan, though, for the unexpected arrival of Alan, his friend from college. Alan has no idea that Michael nor any of his friends are gay, Michael never having come out of the closet to him. As the drinks keep coming, the fun soon takes a nasty turn as secrets are revealed, arguments are unearthed, and blows are thrown, culminating in a shocking drunken phone “game” that may ruin more than one life. The Boys in the Band was a groundbreaking piece of theatre when it premiered in 1968, with playwright Mart Crowley depicting gay men’s lives on stage with honesty, truth, and no apologies. Half a century later, the play proves to be as entertaining, bold, and inspiring as ever.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1968
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Michael’s apartment in New York City. Late 1960s.
Cast Size
medium
Licensor
Samuel French
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, All-Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Michael

Lead

Male

Spoken

Donald

Lead

Male

Spoken

Emory

Lead

Male

Spoken

Larry

Lead

Male

Spoken

Hank

Lead

Male

Spoken

Bernard

Lead

Male

Spoken

Cowboy

Lead

Male

Spoken

Harold

Lead

Male

Spoken

Alan

Lead

Male

Spoken

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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