Boys in the Band at PACA

Michael Weiss is directing The Boys in the Band at PACA, Mart Crowley's 1968 play that premiered just a year before the Stonewall Riots.

According to a 26-year-old review by Caleb Mazzocco, "You are invited to a party where you don't get to try the cracked crab or eat lasagna, you can't drink or dance or converse with the guests, nor can you have a piece of birthday cake. What you can do is sit quietly in the dark and watch the rest of the guests portray a nearly 60-year-old piece of gay history that's an alternately funny and emotional play about 9 men and the birthday party from hell."

Despite its specific context of what used to be considered "self-loathing" among gay men, the play also explores the struggle for acceptance. It delves into universal human experiences like love, loss, friendship, and the search for meaning, which resonate with audiences in today's changing world. While some critics argue that the play feels dated or doesn't fully address contemporary gay experiences, others will recognize its value as a historical document and a powerful exploration of the human condition. There has been criticism for reinforcing stereotypes, but they are often framed within the play's historical period. Despite the passage of time, and speaking as one who lived in that era (while progress has undoubtedly been made, some things have not changed at all!) The Boys in the Band " continues to be a relevant and vital work of art, sparking discussions about LGBTQ+ identity, history, and the ongoing struggle for equality. The show opens April 25th at PACA (see ad in this issue) and plays weekends through May 11th.