Directed by HACC Professor of Theatre, Marnie Brennan, The Boys Next Door takes place in a New England city, where Norman, Arnold, Barry and Lucien P. Smith, four men with special needs, live in a group home under the supervision of an earnest, but increasingly "burned out" young social worker.
Jack (portrayed by Michael Gallagher), does his best to keep life "normal" in the group home. The "ringleader" of the little group is Arnold, played by Sean Adams. Arnold is a hyperactive, compulsive chatterer who suffers from deep-seated insecurities. Norman, portrayed by Anthony Fitting, is a doughnut shop worker with a passion for sweets who takes great pride in his large collection of keys seen constantly dangling from his waist. Lucien P. Smith, played by Myron Byas, has the mind of a five-year-old, but imagines that he is able to read and comprehend the weighty books he constantly carries. Barry, played by Nathan Delp, is a brilliant man with schizophrenia who has been devastated by the unfeeling rejection of his brutal father. He spends his days fantasizing that he is golf pro.
Mingled with scenes from the daily lives of the four, where "little things" sometimes become momentous and often very funny, are moments of great poignancy when, with touching effectiveness, we are reminded that all of us, regardless of abilities or disabilities, wants to be able to live our lives on our own terms and to love and laugh and find some meaning and purpose in the brief time we have on this earth.
Also featured in the production are: Elizabeth Schiavo as Sheila; Emily Albert as Mrs. Fremus; Ada Smith-Sparling as Clara; Eliza Beecher as Mrs. Warren; Jared Layser as Mr. Hedges/Mr. Corbin; Tim Dolin as Mr. Klemper; and James Terry as Senator Clarke.
The contemporary set design was created by HACC Instructor Dave Olmsted complimented by lighting designed by HACC theatre lighting specialist, Lori Friedlander. Costumes were designed by HACC Associate Professor of Theatre, Brenda C. Eppley. The stage manager for this performance is HACC student Ada Smith Sparling, assisted by Shaunna Sheaffer as assistant stage manager and Olga Zinchuk as the production secretary.
Tickets for The Boys Next Door are $9 for adults and $7 for students and can be purchased by calling the RLAC Box Office at 231-ROSE (7673). Early purchase recommended. RLAC events online at hacc.edu/rose.