“The Boys Next Door” Returns to the SIC Stage After 21 Years

Southeastern Illinois College Theatre presents The Boys Next Door on Feb. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in the George T. Dennis Visual & Performing Arts Center.

The Boys Next Door is comedy-drama written by Tom Griffin and set in the Boston area. The cast includes Barry (Jordan Richey of Benton), Norman (Alex McRoy of Harrisburg), Arnold (Carter Reed of Harrisburg), and Lucien (Braden Cummins of Carrier Mills). The four men have various mental disabilities and live in a city apartment together overseen by their caregiver Jack (Chanse Tullis of Springerton). The show takes place over roughly a two-month period and provides a humorous commentary on the men’s lives focusing on their hopes, affections and frustrations.

The show is once again directed by retiring Theatre Director Allan Kimball.

“It is exciting to turn back time and revisit the very first play I directed here at SIC,” said Kimball. “This play has always held a special place in my heart. As we rehearse this production with this amazingly talented cast, I constantly flashback to my first days here at SIC and the wonderful experience I had working with that first awesome cast. It is hard to believe that 21 years have passed since that first production!”

Kimball went on to explain in his words about the show, “This play is about four mentally and emotionally challenged men, who like all of us, just want to love and laugh and find meaning in life. The play offers us a chance to see the lives of people who are struggling to get along and who are, in that respect, not all that much different from the rest of us. It is a touching and yet humorous play that will leave you feeling so many wonderful emotions.”

SIC sophomore and veteran performer on the SIC stage, Alex McRoy, said “ It’s a joy to get to work with such an amazing group of performers in order to bring this terrific show to the stage!”

Freshman Carter Reed said, “The Boys Next Door is a challenging show because of the important meaning the show carries. You have to be genuine when you play these boys so it doesn’t come off as offensive.’’

He also added, “Allan Kimball is an extraordinary director and is very helpful with helping us find our characters.”

Aaron McRoy of Harrisburg will be the stage manager for The Boys Next Door.  Costumes will be designed and provided by Janet Hart and Gareth York.  John Hart of Hart’s Music in Harrisburg will provide the sound equipment.

General seating tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students, staff and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 618-252-5400, ext. 2486 or 618-841-4649 or by emailing boxoffice@sic.edu

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