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.
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Context
Mart Crowley began writing The Boys in the Band during his time as film star Natalie Wood’s personal assistant. During his time in Hollywood, both working for Wood and housesitting for friends, Crowley felt himself growing more and more angry at the injustices faced by himself and his other homosexual friends at the time. In writing the play, he depicted these injustices simply and directly, as experienced by the group of friends gathering to celebrate a birthday. Crowley saw the character
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[Editor’s note: this play contains dialogue that is potentially offensive or triggering.]
ACT ONE
Michael is finishing final preparations for the birthday party he’ll be hosting later in the evening for his friend, Harold. He lives in a trendy two-floor apartment in the East 50s of Manhattan, though he cannot afford it and is living in debt. He is joined by Donald, an old friend and long-term lover, who has recently moved to Long Island. Donald, who struggles with depression, has
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The Boys in the Band.
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