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Choir Boy
Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
Geffen Playhouse
Through Oct. 27
RECOMMENDED:
Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney (The Brothers Size, In the Red and Brown Water), once again engages and entertains with this compelling coming of age — and coming out — drama that spans a year inside an exclusive prep school for African-American males.
The Charles Drew Choir is the pride of the institution, but when the overtly gay and flamboyantly dainty Pharus (Jeremy Pope) is selected as choir leader by the gruff, imposing Headmaster Marrow (Michael A. Shepperd), it arouses the venomous homophobia of the headmaster’s bullying nephew Bobby (Donovan Mitchell). Pharus, who is whip-smart and oh-so likeable, is unapologetic about his sexuality and is ostracized by everyone except his roommate Anthony (Grantham Coleman), a country boy with a country-simple sense of decency and compassion.
When the headmaster brings in a retired white teacher, Mr. Pendleton (Leonard Kelly-Young), to teach a course in creative thinking, the tensions and jealousy escalate, but this juncture is also where McCraney slyly introduces race and racism into the mix, as the boys and their teacher engage in a fascinating discussion about the power and meaning of Gospel music and black history, with Pharus as passionate and intellectually nimble point man. Ultimately, this is a story, both timeless and topical, about self-acceptance and being who and what you are, in the face of a world that rarely appreciates or acknowledge either.
Not surprisingly, music plays a big part in the narrative. Musical Director Jason Michael Webb’s selection of songs and hymns are soul-stirring, and it’s doubtful whether better a cappella singing can be heard anywhere on the planet. Trip Cullman’s direction is spot on, and he draws robust performances from the cast, which includes Nicholas L. Ashe and Caleb Eberhardt. David Zinn’s set design morphs from dorm, shower, to classroom with beguiling precision.
Geffen Playhouse, 10866 Le Conte Ave., Wstwd.; Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 & 7 p.m., through Oct. 26. (310) 208-5454, https://www.geffenplayhouse.com
