Black Box Theatre - Theater Mirror

By Deanna Dement Myers

“The space between the words is where the ache lies.”

A charming young refugee, Nazrullah, brilliantly played by Shawn K. Jain, shows up at the home of retired University of Nebraska professor, Harold Banks (Ken Batlin). We soon learn that Nazrullah was a teacher at the same school in Afghanistan as Bank’s adopted daughter, Getee. At first, Harold mistrusts this young man, mistaking him for a repairman. It becomes clear they share a bond through their complicated relationships with Getee, played by Caitlin Nasema Cassidy, in her first role at the New Rep. Across language barriers, this cast of three weaves time and location to tell a fast-paced story of deep love, strong beliefs and unsettling betrayal. We jump from the present where both Harold and Naz learn to navigate their own relationship without the help of Getee, to the past where we learn the reasons why she felt compelled to visit the land of her birth.

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Mass Music and Arts Society’s opening show of their summer season is “The Boys Next Door” by Rhode Island native, Tom Griffin who recently passed away. It is a funny and touching play about four mentally handicapped men living in a communal residence under the guidance and watchful eye of a caring but burnt out social worker. The story is told by a series of vignettes and scenes, with some of the performers speaking directly to the audience. Director Kelly Crawford picks splendid and talented performers to fill these well written roles. She mixes the comic and dramatic moments together marvelously to a very appreciative audience who gives them a resounding standing ovation at the curtain call.

Tag: Black Box Theatre

Silence and Omission in the ‘Heartland’ – at New Rep

THE BOYS NEXT DOOR (MMAS, Black Box Theatre, Mansfield)