SYNOPSIS:
Told in a series of fast-paced, sharply etched scenes, the play traces the misadventures of three former college buddies now seeking to make their way in the big city—and with various women of their acquaintance. There is the cynical Jack, who is already married and a father, but is not above pursuing daytime adulteries while babysitting in the park; the innocent, vulnerable Phil, who grows weary of not being taken seriously and concludes that being unhappy is the way things are supposed to be; and the handsome, amoral Don, who risks a solid relationship with his girlfriend by sleeping with another, simply to see if he 'could get away with it.' Moving along briskly, with its mood of satirical humor brilliantly sustained, the play dissects and anatomizes the male narcissism—and protracted adolescence—which characterizes its protagonists and, in the end, makes it hilariously clear that it is actually the women who possess the qualities of 'manhood' and maturity which their deluded lovers so desperately lay claim to. '…BOYS' LIFE is the most balanced and intelligent comment on the battle of the sexes I've seen in a long time…' —The New Yorker.
Playing in rotating repertory with BOY GETS GIRL, the searing and bitingly witty drama by Rebecca Gilman.
307799934 Boys Life Howard Korder (Dragged) - Free download as PDF File (.pdf) or view presentation slides online. This another monologue from A Boy's Life by Howard Korder. It is the character Phil obsessing over a women who just broke up with him. Phil loved her and he. BOYS' LIFE SBCC Theatre Arts Department presents BOYS LIFE by Howard Korder, November 2001, Jurkowitz Theatre, Directed by Rick Mokler.
Production Photos - Click for Slideshow
(Photos by Russ Rowland. Click here or on a photo above for comprehensive photo gallery.)
Articles about BOY'S LIFE
4% | BOYS' LIFE and BOY GETS GIRL are Stage Buddy's 'Theater Picks of the Week' - Stage Buddy Photo Flash: Broadway World's First Look at BOYS' LIFE - Broadway World The Seeing Place to Present BOYS' LIFE with BOY GETS GIRL - Broadway World Theatermania Announces: Boys' Life - Theatermania Interview with Olivia Baseman - Indie Actvity |
The Reviews Are In for BOY'S LIFE!
Howard Miller, Talkin' Broadway - 'When it comes to the battle of the sexes, forget the Mars/Venus analogy. Men, it seems, are from Fantasy Land, while women are from Reality World. Truly, they see things in entirely different ways – some of them potentially quite damaging. That is the message that resonates in the double bill of plays being mounted by The Seeing Place: Howard Korder’s Boys’ Life from 1988, and Rebecca Gilman’s Boy Gets Girl from 2000...With this pair of plays, The Seeing Place and its founders Ms. Cronican and Mr. Walker (she directs Boys’ Life and he the Gilman play) display a remarkable level of maturity as a theatrical enterprise in this, only its sixth season. This is definitely a company to watch.'
Alan Miller, A Seat on the Aisle - 'Now in its sixth season, The Seeing Place, located on East 26th Street in Manhattan, is currently staging two exceptional revivals in repertory: Boy’s Life by Howard Korder and Boy Gets Girl by Rebecca Gilman. It is the juxtaposition of these two plays, both focusing on gender relations, that resonates synergistically to enhance our appreciation of both...The play unfolds as a series of brief vignettes rather than as a linear story line and is most effective in doing so. After 90 minutes of this, a full picture has emerged, reflecting the playwright’s view of men behaving badly...and most effectively, with considerable power and humor, I might add... Boy’s Life is a thought-provoking and funny play...these are productions very much worth seeing.'
Boys Life Howard Korder Pdf
Myra Chanin, Theater Pizzazz - 'Unnervingly Brilliant Views of Contemporary Boys and Girls...until August 2nd, you’ll find a Wow! Wow! back-to-back, contemporary-as-can-be, artistic doubleheader at The Clarion — Howard Korder’s Boys’ Life and Boy Gets Girl by Rebecca Gilman, — produced by The Seeing Place Theater, another hitherto-unknown-to-me dramatic company. These are both thought-provoking plays with breathtaking performances and direction. Their featured players are so down-to-earth natural and realistic that I felt like a voyeur, secretly snooping into their lives...Boy’s Life, directed by Erin Cronican, dissects male narcissism and the protracted adolescence of three college buddies making their way in the big city – a vision that would make even the most girly-girly gal turn into a flesh-eating vampire lesbian. Brandon Walker plays Jack, the Leader of the Pack, as the most convincing irritating putz I’ve ever met in my life – and believe me, I’m old enough to have met more than a handful. How irritating? I had a really hard time stopping myself from leaping on stage and throttling him...These productions feature quality writing and compelling performances anyone interested in first-rate theater shouldn’t miss... It’s such a joy to see such fascinating commentary on the passing parade performed with such thoughtful excellence. I’m really looking forward to seeing whatever The Seeing Place does next.'
Mark Savitt, Hi! Drama - 'TWO THUMBS UP. Much of this play is quite funny, and the actors perform with finesse. The humor [does] leaves a sour taste because you sense how easily things could tip over into the pathological. Can boys ever truly become adult men and accept full responsibility with respect to women?...Try to see both plays; they truly make an illuminating double feature.'
Theresa Perkins, My Entertainment World - 'Credit is due to actor Brandon Walker for his thoroughly believable portrayal of the tactless druggy, Jack. The Seeing Place specializes in a sort of “in the moment” acting style that relies less on advance staging and more on organic interaction between the actors. Walker excels at this style of acting and seems at ease with the freedom such a staging provides him. Olivia Baseman is similarly successful at crafting an attention grabbing, if eccentric, character as Don’s oddly alluring one night stand...Ultimately, Boy’s Life, while somewhat dated, discusses socially-constructed gender roles in a meaningful way, and the ensemble in The Seeing Place’s production of this play nicely explores those themes in a very organic way, resulting in a thought-provoking...production.'
Linda Buchwald, Pataphysical Science - 'Thoughtful productions, directed by Erin Cronican (Boys' Life) and Brandon Walker (Boy Gets Girl)...Clearly the company has thought a lot about how the two works can have a conversation with each other, which should extend to conversations after the shows.'
Boys Life Howard Korder Cast
CAST (in alphabetical order):
| Mary Ruth Baggott (as Karen) is originally from South Carolina, Graduate of Circle in the Square and College of Charleston. Credits include REFLECTIONS OF A HEART (Harold Clurman/Theater Row) LIGHTNING FROM HEAVEN; SUGAR PLUM; PARISH DUNKELD (Workshop Theater Company), Marianne in TARTUFFE (Upstate Shakespeare Festival), Karen in PSYCH (TIC Theater), Connie in COME BLOW YOUR HORN (Millbrook Playhouse), and HERMIA/SNOUT/COBWEB in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (Circle in the Square PW). www.maryruthbaggott.com |
| Olivia Baseman* (as Girl) is an actress, singer, writer and producer. Her film and television credits include Darren Aronofsky’s Oscar nominated film 'The Wrestler', 'Chappelle’s Show' (the Rick James ep.), 'Elementar'y, 'Next Caller', 'Surviving Family', 'The Beautiful Life', 'Away We Go…' Olivia has appeared Off and Off Off Broadway as well as regionally. She was most recently seen on stage in New York in Julia Lee Barkley Morton’s MY FIRST AUTOGRACE HOMEOGRAPHY 1973-74“ at Brooklyn’s acclaimed experimental theatre “The Brick” where Olivia has been a regular performer since 2007. Member AEA, SAG-AFTRA. www.oliviabaseman.com |
| Brisa Freitas (as Lisa) After graduating from Cornell University, Brisa moved to LA to work in film and commercials. But after a year and a half, she missed theater too much and made the move to NYC to shift her focus to theater, her first love. She's studied improv at the United Citizens Brigade and has worked on a number of different projects both in film and theater in NYC. Having recently completed a tour with CLIMB Theatre, an educational children's theater, she is excited to be back in the city with The Seeing Place, where she is also producing a web series called TYPE CAST. Web: www.BrisaFreitas.com |
| Logan Keeler (as Phil) joined The Seeing Place in 2013. This is his fifth show with the group following MEN IN WHITE as Dr. Pete Bradley, the role of Michael in TWO ROOMS, Cassio in OTHELLO, and the Andy Paris track in THE LARAMIE PROJECT. Recent productions include THREEPENNY OPERA, NEXT TO NORMAL, HARVEY, and his Off-Broadway debut as Bernie Bartok in the first revival of MONEY: THE MUSICAL. Logan is a graduate of Connecticut College and The William Esper Studio in New York City and studied at The British American Drama Academy in London. |
| Natalie Neckyfarow* (as Maggie) Natalie is passionate about telling stories that help people see (new) possibilities for themselves and world around them. Originally from Charlotte, NC, she began her performance career as a dancer and began transitioning into acting shortly after moving to New York City. She has studied with Michelle Bossy, Halley Feiffer, Matthew Corozine, Jen Waldman, and Lynn Singer, among others. Natalie recently played Deb in Ordinary Days to benefit the Autism Theatre Initiative, which she also produced. Other favorite credits include: Theatre: BLOODLETTERS, LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST (Jacquenetta), INTO THE WOODS (Lucinda). Film/TV: 'Sci-Fi High: The Movie Musical', 'Time Trumpet.' Member AEA, SAG-AFTRA. www.natalieneckyfarow.com |
| Candice Oden (as Carla) National Tours: MUSIC OF THE NIGHT (Eva Peron), LULLABY OF BROADWAY (Eva Peron), THE QUEST (Everyone Else). Los Angeles Workshops: BLACK DENIM TROUSERS & MOTORCYCLE BOOTS (Janet), SAMMY: A MUSICAL (Lady Captain), SHEBA THE MUSICAL (Irit). New York Workshops/Readings: AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN (Pre-Broadway workshop) and THE BEAR (reading with The Seeing Place.) Regional Theatre: HOT MIKADO (Pitti-Sing), A WELK MUSICAL CHRISTMAS (Featured Vocalist), CINDERELLA (Fairy Godmother [Inland Theatre League Award, Best Actress]),THE GOODBYE GIRL (Melanie), THE WIZARD OF OZ and more. Improv: Little Britches (Co-Founder and performer), Brooklyn Improv Group, Accomplice The Show (Village & NY). Member: AEA, SAG-AFTRA |
| Daniel Michael Perez (as Man) is an actor, writer and director based out of New York City. He's studied acting at the William Esper Studios, The Barrow Group and improvisation at the Upright Citizens Brigade. He made his professional acting debut playing Roddey in The Seeing Place Theater's production of THREE SISTERS and his directorial debut with DOG SEES GOD: CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE BLOCKHEAD at The Barrow Group Theater. |
| Brandon Walker* (as Jack) is an NYIT nominated actor for his work in The Seeing Place's DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA. Other previous shows with The Seeing Place: DYING CITY (Craig/Peter); THE LARAMIE PROJECT (Stephen Belber Track); MEN IN WHITE (Dr. Ferguson); HAMLET (Hamlet); ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD (Hamlet); A LIE OF THE MIND (Jake), LOVE SONG (Beane), THE CREDEAUX CANVAS (Winston), WHEN WE HAVE GONE ASTRAY (Ira), WAITING FOR LEFTY (Sid), LOOK BACK IN ANGER (Jimmy), TWELFTH NIGHT (Malvolio), CLOSER (Dan), THREE SISTERS (Andrey), and THE LOVER (Richard). He has worked with The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, Poor Players, New Village Arts, Moxie Theatre, ion Theater, North Coast Rep, Sierra Rep, and Barnstormers Theater. Member AEA. Training: David Gideon. |
| Alex Witherow (as Don) is a New York City-based stage, TV, and film actor and has lived in the city since 2013. He previously was a part of the Washington, DC regional theatre scene where he performed at a variety of venues. In New York, he has appeared at La MaMa ETC, the Chain Theater and more recently has appeared in two feature films, one of which premiered at Tribeca Cinemas in the Colombian International Film Festival. Favorite roles include: 'The Closer' (Stu), DIE! MOMMIE! DIE! (Tony Parker), MARATHON '33 (Mr. James), WEST SIDE STORY (Diesel) amongst many others. He has trained with Larry Moss and at the William Esper Studio. He has amazing luck and was able to get a rent-stabilized lease in the East Village where he currently resides. www.alexwitherow.com |
* = Member of AEA |
Creative Team:
Boys Life Howard Korder Characters
Director | Erin Cronican - Erin is an award-winning producer and director, including Judd Lear Silverman's two character play, Correct Address (Actors Alliance Festival - Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Production, and Outstanding Acting awards for both actors), and Edward Musto's Shutterbug (Midtown International Theater Festival.) Erin has also directed 5 plays for The Seeing Place: LOVE SONG, MISS JULIE, MEN IN WHITE, ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD, THE STRANGER, and co-directed 2 plays: THE LARAMIE PROJECT and OTHELLO. |
| Stage Management | Mark Fingerhut - Mark is a computer user and programmer who is interested in how computers can affect the future of live performance and theater. He has worked and performed in New York for five years as WOLFSHIRT, where he brings electronic video and computer performances to basements, rooftops and everything in between. He is married to strategy games, yo-yo's and pinball machines. He is not afraid of heights or people. |
| Lighting Design | Duane Pagano - Duane would like to thank all involved for the opportunity to be a part of these productions. He has designed for any number of productions throughout NYC, including the Lighting for the musical WHAT DO CRITICS KNOW currently in the NYMF, THE NAVIGATOR at the WorkShop Theater Co. for which he received the NYIT award for his Lighting Design as well as a Scenic Design nomination. Off-Broadway credits include the set and lighting designs for Alternative Theater’s THE GAYEST CHRISTMAS PAGAENT EVER at The Players Theatre, OLYMPICS UBER ALLES at St. Lukes Theater and ROMEO AND JULIET for Theater Rats. Other highlights include, GODSPELL for the Circuit Playhouse in Memphis, TN, which garnered him the Best Lighting Design Award for Memphis theater and graduating from the Univ. of Miami. As always, he dedicates his work to his biggest fan. |