2008 Woodie Awards
The Boys Next Door
Lara Bueso
Issue date: 12/3/04 Section: Entertainment
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It was a risky undertaking, a theater production about the lives of retarded adults in the play The Boy's Next Door, by playwright Tom Griffin. Rollins' student director, Kristopher Fogel, masterfully directed the play with comedy, emotion, and a high quality cast that did more than just act, but gained a warm response from audiences as well. Although some might quickly assume the play's purpose was to mock the handicapped, instead Fogel directed the play in a professional fashion that only led audiences to admire the perilous and difficult lives they lead.
The setting involves four adult retarded men attempting to live on their own under the supervision of the overly stressed Jack Palmer (Michael Christopher Schantz). He frustratingly watches over the group to ensure the safety of Arnold Wiggins (Eli Green), a marginally retarded man suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and seems to be extremely nervous. Lucien P. Smith (Sa-Heim Davis) is clearly mentally handicapped, as he acts somewhat similar to a toddler. It was humorous, yet realistically unsettling as the state assumes he is able to live on his own and ceases his Social Security payments. Norman (Greg McIver) works at a local donut shop and has an innocent crush on another member of the establishment, Sheila (Arabella Fisher). Lastly, the highly functional yet schizophrenic Barry Klemper (Mike Nardelli) poses as a professional golf instructor and genuinely charges twenty-five cents per hour.
Jack struggles with the daily difficulties of "babysitting" the handicapped men, as the audience interprets it as comedy. The high-tense, stressful conditions of the job lead him to apply for several other positions, eventually landing one. Jack is then forced to make a decision - does he abandon his pseudo-children, or does he accept the position as travel agent?
It is very easy to become annoyed with some of the habits the characters displayed, but the actors depicted the individuals with awe-inspiring perfection. Eli Green meticulously handled the nervous tics and provided just the right amount of panic - not too hysterical and not underplayed. Mike Nardeille, who played Barry, was truly heartbreaking. Although he seems the most normal of the three housemates, a quick flash back to his childhood in the second act lands him an incredibly emotional role, and a transfer to a higher security institution.
The introduction of Barry's father, Mr. Klemper (Patrick Clark) provides an emotional standpoint, as the unsympathetic and obviously abusive father fails to connect with his son on a visit. The play honestly examines the tribulations of supervising the handicapped, the routine of living on their own, and those who are unable to relate to them, as some moments seem and are hilarious. At times you find yourself questioning whether it is socially acceptable to laugh during particular moments.
But coming out of the play I gained an unrealized respect for not only the actors who portrayed their lives with pride and practicality, but also for the mentally handicapped, which are at times very complex yet humbling and affectionate.
The setting involves four adult retarded men attempting to live on their own under the supervision of the overly stressed Jack Palmer (Michael Christopher Schantz). He frustratingly watches over the group to ensure the safety of Arnold Wiggins (Eli Green), a marginally retarded man suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and seems to be extremely nervous. Lucien P. Smith (Sa-Heim Davis) is clearly mentally handicapped, as he acts somewhat similar to a toddler. It was humorous, yet realistically unsettling as the state assumes he is able to live on his own and ceases his Social Security payments. Norman (Greg McIver) works at a local donut shop and has an innocent crush on another member of the establishment, Sheila (Arabella Fisher). Lastly, the highly functional yet schizophrenic Barry Klemper (Mike Nardelli) poses as a professional golf instructor and genuinely charges twenty-five cents per hour.
Jack struggles with the daily difficulties of "babysitting" the handicapped men, as the audience interprets it as comedy. The high-tense, stressful conditions of the job lead him to apply for several other positions, eventually landing one. Jack is then forced to make a decision - does he abandon his pseudo-children, or does he accept the position as travel agent?
It is very easy to become annoyed with some of the habits the characters displayed, but the actors depicted the individuals with awe-inspiring perfection. Eli Green meticulously handled the nervous tics and provided just the right amount of panic - not too hysterical and not underplayed. Mike Nardeille, who played Barry, was truly heartbreaking. Although he seems the most normal of the three housemates, a quick flash back to his childhood in the second act lands him an incredibly emotional role, and a transfer to a higher security institution.
The introduction of Barry's father, Mr. Klemper (Patrick Clark) provides an emotional standpoint, as the unsympathetic and obviously abusive father fails to connect with his son on a visit. The play honestly examines the tribulations of supervising the handicapped, the routine of living on their own, and those who are unable to relate to them, as some moments seem and are hilarious. At times you find yourself questioning whether it is socially acceptable to laugh during particular moments.
But coming out of the play I gained an unrealized respect for not only the actors who portrayed their lives with pride and practicality, but also for the mentally handicapped, which are at times very complex yet humbling and affectionate.