Through April 2
CHOIR BOY Lorna C. Hill Theatre/Ujima Theatre Company
Ah, those teen years.
As an alum of an all-male high school, it’s a different world although my sisters in an all-female high school suggested that was also different, all from the coed schools attended by many of our friends.
Tarell Alvin McCrane’s “Choir Boy” is set in Charles R. Drew Preparatory School for Boys, a boarding school for high-potential Black males partially supported by its choir concert income.
The student head of the choir is a Big Man on Campus.
Here’s it’s Pharus Johnathan Young (Brian Brown).
Director Karen Saxon must have spent a lot of time finding the cast members who have great skill in singing and dancing, with drill choreography from Naila Ansari.
The director also has a strong casting choice in Gerald Ramsey as Headmaster Marrow, who has to deal with all of the continuing male hormones.
With this setup, the pivot of the script is that Pharus is gay, with everyone sort of knowing while no one really wants to know, for sure, since this creates an issue no one wants to deal with.
He’s also something of a PITA because of his attitude running the choir.
It’s all young men trying to mold themselves for their adult roles in the community, like one student who plans to be a preacher.
They have to learn how to achieve and also be cooperative and that mix doesn’t always work.
When the headmaster finally gets fed up, he calls in a retired teacher from the school, Mr. Pendelton (Ross Hewitt) to straighten out the boys and it’s not easy because it starts badly.
Gradually (quickly in stage time) his messages about life start getting across because they understand he understands.
And, he knows about Pharus and another student.
There is also what’s a human tragedy.
It’s an interesting look at those from whom much is expected.
“Choir Boy” is one of those shows which leaves you wondering: Did everyone handle things well?
No, probably not.
That’s what makes it entertaining and makes you think.
It’s a strong and well-directed show, marred only by the delays to change the wheeled set elements.
Led by Brown, Ramsey and Hewitt, the rest of the cast is strong, Joshua Garrett, Cordell Hopkins, Justin Garrett and Perrin Leftwich Jr.
That’s why “Choir Boy” should be on your list.
A.W.
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