Discover "The Boys Next Door" Play: A Touching Story - Learn More

Can a play truly capture the essence of human experience while shining a light on lives often unseen? "The Boys Next Door," by Tom Griffin, did exactly that, becoming the most produced play in America in 1989.

The play, a poignant and often humorous exploration of the lives of four men with mental disabilities, premiered in June 1986 at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey. Set in the Boston area, it offers a glimpse into their world, a communal residence in New England, where they navigate the complexities of daily life under the supervision of their young social worker, Jack. The play consists of brief vignettes, each offering a window into their individual struggles and triumphs, over a two-month period.

Originally titled "Damaged Hearts, Broken Flowers," the play underwent revisions before its 1987 production at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. "The Boys Next Door" is more than just a play; it's a reminder of the often-overlooked lives of individuals with mental handicaps. As "Backstage" noted, the play is "one of the most unusualand one of the most rewarding plays in town." The New York Daily News affirmed its profound impact, stating that Griffin's work "hits squarely on the truth of life with its constant interplays and shadings of triumphs and tears." The play's success can be attributed to its ability to create memorable and accessible characters, a testament to Griffin's skillful writing. The play's setting is a group home for mentally disabled men somewhere in New England. Tom Griffin was born in Providence, Rhode Island in February of 1946.

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Category	Details
Play Title	The Boys Next Door
Author	Tom Griffin
Year of First Production	1988/89 Season (Originally 1986 at McCarter Theatre)
Setting	Boston area, New England
Theme	Lives of four men with various mental disabilities in a group home.
Main Characters	Arnold Wiggins, Lucien P.
Director	Edward Brennan (mentioned in context of other productions)
Key Recognition	Most produced play in America in 1989
Notable Production Venues	McCarter Theatre (Princeton, NJ), Berkshire Theatre Festival
Original Title	Damaged Hearts, Broken Flowers
Genre	Drama, Comedy
Core Narrative	Exploration of the daily lives, challenges, and moments of joy experienced by men with mental disabilities as they navigate their lives.
Impact	Raises awareness and humanizes the experiences of people with mental handicaps, offering a view into their struggles and triumphs.
Related Productions	Performances at Orange Coast College and Granite Theatre
Authentic Website Reference	Playbill (general theatre information)

The play explores the lives of Arnold Wiggins, Lucien P., and the other residents of the group home, as they grapple with the routines and surprises that shape their lives. These characters, brought to life by Griffin's pen, are not merely caricatures but fully realized individuals with their own dreams, fears, and aspirations. "The Boys Next Door" is a theatrical work which goes beyond the mere surface; it digs into the heart of what it means to be human.

Edward Brennan's association with productions like "An Act of the Imagination," "Deathtrap," and "I Hate Hamlet," suggests the type of directorial approach the play warrants. The production at the Granite Theatre, for instance, features cast members like Geoff Blanchette, Stephen Palermo, and Bill Corriveau bringing the story to life, showcasing the power of ensemble work in conveying the play's themes.

The plays success isnt just in its presentation of characters, but in its ability to weave humor and pathos into a single narrative. The audience is invited to laugh, to empathize, and to reflect on the nature of human connection. The music of the 80s might be playing, as the audience enters the space behind the stage, but the themes are timeless: love, loss, the search for belonging, and the simple desire to be understood.

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The story unfolds through a series of vignettes, each offering a glimpse into the character's lives. The audience sees their struggles, their small victories, and the bonds they forge with each other and with Jack, their social worker. The play's structure, with its episodic nature, allows for a diversity of experience. This approach allows "The Boys Next Door" to address difficult issues with honesty, and the impact on the audience is considerable. The play invites us to question our own perceptions of normalcy.

Productions of "The Boys Next Door" have found their place in various venues, proving its ongoing appeal. Whether at the community college level or in professional theatre, the play's message of empathy and understanding continues to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. The popularity also points to the plays universality. The production Orange Coast College, is one such example of its continued relevance.

While some productions might struggle to maintain a cohesive narrative, the core strength of "The Boys Next Door" lies in its character-driven storytelling. Griffin's script, and its ability to create complex characters, transcends the potential pitfalls. His ability to create engaging characters with a variety of mental disabilities is no mean feat. It ensures that the production holds the audience's attention.

The play also raises questions about the role of the social worker, Jack. Jack is charged with guiding the residents toward a sense of normalcy. As Jack helps his "boys" to navigate their everyday lives, the play also reveals the impact they have on him. As the residents face challenges, they also share moments of laughter, love, and the joy of friendship. It makes it an uplifting and touching piece of theater.

The play's popularity in 1989, reflected the need for these stories to be heard. "The Boys Next Door" reminds audiences of the importance of human connection, compassion, and the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their differences. The play's success signifies a willingness to engage with subjects that are often sidelined.

One of the play's most valuable contributions is its ability to show the joy that can be found in the mundane. As they share their daily struggles, they find that the magic of laughter, the power of love, and the excitement of life are within their reach. As with the various other productions over the years, The Boys Next Door is a reminder of the humanity that binds us together.

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