Arnold, Norman, Barry and Lucien are four very special characters
who are the main concern of Jack, their social worker. “The
Boys Next Door,” a play by Tom Griffin concerns the realities
faced by the mentally challenged and the people who care for
them. Directed by Michael McClendon, who also plays the role
of Jack, this is to be his last production job for the Newnan
Theatre Company. “This is, without a doubt, one of the most
emotionally satisfying shows for audiences that I've ever been
associated with,” said McClendon. McClendon previously directed “To
Kill A Mockingbird” and “The Miracle Worker” at
NTC.
The “Boys” of the title each have their own unique
handicap. Arnold is the ringleader of the group; he’s a
hyperactive, compulsive chatterer suffering from deep-seated
insecurities and a persecution complex. There’s Norman,
a worker in a doughnut shop who can’t resist the lure of
the sweet pastries; he also takes great pride in the huge bundle
of keys dangling from his waist. Lucien P. Smith has the mind
of a five-year-old, but lugs around weighty books, imagining
he can read and comprehend them. Brilliant schizophrenic Barry,
devastated by the rejection of his brutal father, fantasizes
that he is a golf pro.
As for Jack, McClendon says “I’m the sounding board.
I’m the listener.” He uses his character’s sensibilites
as he is directing the show. “I sort of wear Jack at rehearsal.
You understand Jack. The place where I’m directing is where
Jack is at.”
In preparation for their roles, the “Boys” attended
movement classes at the Rutledge Center in Newnan, a simple exercise
class which focuses on mind and body stimulation.
“What makes this particular production so satisfying to
me is the first-rate cast. I truly cannot remember ever having
worked with a cast of this caliber,” says McClendon. “They
bring each role to life with humor and pathos. I believe our
audience will become so involved with these people and the circumstances
of their lives, that the line between actor and character will
blur.”
“In past productions of “The Boys Next Door,” we’ve
seen patrons returning again and again, each time bringing new
people with them. During our rehearsals for this production,
we’ve watched people who’ve dropped in react by bursting
into laughter and tears,” says McClendon. “This is
an experience that will literally make you laugh and make you
cry, and leave you feeling satisfied and uplifted.”
In the daily lives of these four men, little things sometimes
become momentous, and often very funny. And there are touching
moments of great poignancy when we’re reminded that the
handicapped, like the rest of us, want only to love, laugh and
find meaning and purpose in their lives. “We all have degrees
of differences.” McClendon says.
The cast includes audience favorite Jeff Allen as Arnold Wiggins
and Samuel Knight as Lucien P. Smith. Knight wowed audiences
as the accused rapist in NTC’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Also onstage will be NTC Artistic Director Dave Dorrell as Norman
Bulansky, Bill Bouris as Mr. Klemper, Robert Stokely as Mr. Hedges,
Rick Olsen as Mr. Corbin and Senator Clarke, JoAnne Pritchett
as Mrs. Fremus, and Cathy Johanson as Clara.
There are some firsts among the cast. Two seasoned pros are
making their Newnan debuts, Gloria Wright (as Sheila) and Ryan
Turk (as Barry Klemper). Roxana Wright (as Mrs. Warren) is making
her stage debut.
“The Boys Next Door” opens this Friday and runs for
3 weekends, through Sunday, August 29. Show on Aug 13, 14, 20,
21 and 27 at 8pm. Matinees will be on Sundays, August 15, 22
and 29 at 2:30pm. There will be no show on Saturday, August 28.
Instead, a Thursday performance has been added, August 26 at
8 p.m.
This is a MainStage Series performance. Tickets are $12 for
adults, $10 for students and senior citizens.
Newnan Theatre Company is located at 24 First Avenue in Newnan.
For reservations and more information, call 770-683-6282 or email
nctc@numail.org nctc@numail.org. or visit us on the web at www.newnantheatre.com."
