David Stone, Scott Rudin, Patrick Catullo, Aaron Glick, and Ryan Murphy Present
THE BOYS IN THE BAND
By MART CROWLEY
Starring
JIM PARSONS, ZACHARY QUINTO, MATT BOMER, ANDREW RANNELLS,
CHARLIE CARVER
ROBIN DE JESUS, BRIAN HUTCHISON, MICHAEL BENJAMIN WASHINGTON,
TUC WATKINS
Directed by JOE MANTELLO
Booth Theatre
222 West 45th Street
(between Broadway and Eighth Avenue)
212-239-6200 or
www.telecharge.com
April 30 – August 11; Opening Night – 05/31/18
In 1968 when THE BOYS IN THE BAND appeared Off-Broadway, it was revolutionary. The gay lifestyle was both celebrated and castigated when seven gay guys gather in a NYC apartment for a friend’s birthday party. The wit was razor sharp, the repartee was fast and furious, and the camaraderie was palpable and vicious. And never before had the gay lifestyle been made so honest on a public stage. And the courage it took for everyone involved in the endeavor was beyond question.
It is great to report that the writing holds up. The humor, innuendos, and rawness are fast-paced and at times absolutely hilarious. Delivered by an all-star cast, you find yourself wishing you were a part of the party. But then you remember that the AIDS crisis is right around the corner for these gentlemen. And the lights dim slightly. But 50 years ago THE BOYS IN THE BAND was a marvelous introduction into the gay culture. Realizing that there are still many people in today’s climate who are totally unaware that sexual preference is a human trait, let us celebrate that this groundbreaking play has returned to Broadway.
- Laurie Lawson -