Pre-millenium American dreams got quickly dashed on 9/11/01, but even long before that, back to before the 80s when Howard Korder wrote Boys' Life, hopes/dreams never really sustained teenagers or college-age youth. There has always been confusion about identity - what constitutes happiness as a man and as a woman, and young men, in particular, have sought the escape hatch so as not to confront the issue of growing up. Korder really digs into the pysche of three guys who have been lifelong friends in this play which is given a superlative representation at Crown City Theatre.
One character especially, Jack (Ben Rovner), the sort of leader of the pack, remains childish, inconsiderate and rude into manhood, without the slightest inclination of change. His pal Phil (Jason Karasev) at least feels guilt about his irresponsible behavior and Don (David Rispoli) is the one friend to make a concerted effort to straighten out his life by following through on his impulses of true love and getting married. Along the way, the three smoke pot, make umpteen attempts to get laid, and with all of this immaturity on display, there are more than enough humorously awkward situations with which audience can identify. We laugh because we can see ourselves in our weakest moments and at the same time bemoan the thought of how weakness in our society has increasingly come to replace strength. Korder paints an accurate but sorrowful portrait of life.
This cast is outstanding, with Rovner, Karasev and Rispoli manifesting some wonderful chemistry. Rovner makes Jack likeable at first, then increasingly irritating and despiccable, kind of like a Jack Nicholson character that leeches on, refusing to go away. A fine performance! Rispoli makes Don painfully human especially at his crossroads with Lisa (Tori Ayres Oman, pictured above), and Karasev is great with Phil, funny, but pitifully mixed-up. Oman is terrific as Lisa, as are the other women in the ensemble: Libby Baker as Maggie, Rachel Jackson as Karen and Paton Ashbrook a standout in brief double duty as Don's incredibly freakish one-night stand -one sickly hysterical scene! -and as Jack's faithful wife Carla. Mikhail Roberts (Man) completes the cohesive ensemble.
Velez stages the proceedings with skill and good pace.
This evening is well worth a visit to Crown. Most of the scenes make great acting 'audition' material for young actors. They are so well written with great in-depth exploration of character relationships. One line stays with me: "Nobody should ever need anyone that badly!" We are taught to be independant, but never underestimate the importance of love. Korder simultaneously entertains and makes us think.
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Boys' Life/ by Howard Korder/ directed by Dan Velez/ Crown City Theatre/ through September 12; plays Thursday and Sunday eves at 8 pm in rep with USS Pinafore
