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The Boys Next Door
Oct 1-16, 2004
Friday, Oct 1 at 8 pm
Saturday, Oct 2 at 8 pm
Friday, Oct 8 at 8 pm
Saturday, Oct 9 at 8 pm
Sunday, Oct 10 at 2:30 pm
Thursday, Oct 14 at 8 pm
Friday, Oct 15 at 8 pm
Saturday, Oct 16 at 8 pm

Dowload a PDF of the Program

Articles
The Times, Oct. 1

Rehearsal Schedule

A TOUCHING EXPERIENCE

By Tom Griffin
Directed by Stephany Mullen and Mary A. Bird
Assistant Director: Mary DeBoer

Touching and funny, the play first appeared on our stage during the 1990-91 season and took CTG to triumph at the Glasgow International Drama Festival. This is the story of four mentally handicapped men who live together in a communal residence under the eye of their social worker; in a script that shines with humor and understanding, this remarkable play reminds us of our shared humanity.

Join us after the show for an Opening Night Gala
Friday, October 1, 2004
hosted by Café Paradiso
in the Chicago Street Theatre lobby

Synopsis
The place is a communal residence, where four mentally handicapped men live under the supervision of a young social worker named Jack. Norman, who works in a doughnut shop and is unable to resist the lure of the sweets, takes a great pride in his huge bundle of keys; Lucien P. Smith has the mind of a five year old, but imagines that he is able to read and comprehend the weighty books which he lugs about; Arnold, the ringleader of the group, is a hyperactive compulsive chatterer, who suffers from a persecution complex; while Barry, a brilliant schizophrenic who is devastated by the unfeeling rejection of his brutal father, fantasizes that he a golf pro. Experience the moments of great poignancy when we are reminded that the handicapped, like the rest of us, want only to love and laugh and find some meaning and purpose in their lives.

Directors' Corner from Mary & Stephany
We are both honored and pleased to be directing the opening show of Chicago Street Theatre’s 50th season!

While celebrating the past 50 years of theatre excellence, we begin this illustrious season with a beloved CTG show. This has certainly been a daunting challenge considering this play’s history at our theatre including state theatre festival titles and awards, as well as best play award at The Glasgow International Theatre Festival in 1991. Accepting this challenge, we have breathed new life, direction, and inspiration to the production; while retaining some of the classic characters and moments enjoyed by audiences 13 years ago.

A common thread for both productions past and present is the little everyday occurances that we all take for granted, that become momentous, poignant, and even funny for the lives of The Boys Next Door. We find that despite many obstacles, the “boys” crave what we all do from life - friendship, security, home, love, and laughter.

Welcome to CTG's historic 50th Season!

Production Crew
Mary A. Bird and Stephany Mullen.....Co-Directors
Mary DeBoer.....Assistant Director
Kelly Hite.....Production Assistant
Fred Margison.....Stage Manager
Mel McColley.....Set Design
Marcia Burbage.....Lighting Design
Mary DeBoer.....Costume Design
Paul Braun.....Sound Design
Mary DeBoer, Judy Woidke.....Properties
Marcia Gerhardt.....Costumes
Stan Christianson, Kelly Hite, Jeff Jones, Mel McColley, Fred Margison,
Jonni Pera, Mike Porter, Dave Whyle.....Set Construction & Decoration
Marty Weisenbacher.....Lighting Crew