By Gianna Mulvey
Western New England University this fall semester had one additional play put on, and not by The Stageless Players, but as a play directed by senior Max Brouillard. For Brouillard, this play is their senior capstone project to complete their Theatre minor in time for graduation in December.
Boy, by Anna Ziegler, is inspired by a true story. The play follows a boy named Adam in the 90s trying to find love as someone new. As an infant, Adam’s parents were convinced to raise him as a girl by a doctor after there was an accident with a cautery machine. The play switches from the 60s to the 90s, as past events from Adam’s childhood are relived on stage, and how these events affect his adulthood in the 90s.
For a smaller-scale production, the set was incredibly detailed and versatile enough to be used for the scenes that took place in the 60s and the 90s. Small details such as empty beer cans on the floor or magazines on the table really added to the immersion of the show as well. The lighting was dramatic when it needed to be and highlighted characters when it was their moment to shine.
The actors and actresses were incredible in their roles. Brouillard, as Adam, captured the themes of the play well in their performance. The anguish and confusion that Adam experienced as a character felt real and tangible. As an audience member, I was captivated by each and every one of the cast’s performances.
For the entire length of the play, I was enthralled and hooked, wanting to know more about Adam. I especially enjoyed the scenes that took place in the 60s, as I was curious to see how Adam evolved as a character and overcame their past to be who they are in the 90s. Even in the present, Adam still had room to grow, and he certainly did. The conclusion was satisfying, and as a member of the audience, I felt rewarded for watching the end of Adam’s story. Everyone involved in this production of Boy did an excellent job, and I would like to express my sincerest praises to them.
