Boy

Boy

Keen Company

The Clurman Theatre / Theatre Row

February 27, 2016

Photo courtesy of Keen Company

Keen Company is partnering with Ensemble Studio Theatre to present the world premiere of Boy, written by Anna Ziegler.  Based on true events, the script brings to light the nature vs. nurture debate with the respect to gender.  The action of the play takes place between 1968 and 1990.  This well constructed script is sensitively directed by Linsey Firman and brings a proven perspective on the topic of gender identity.

After the botched circumcision of one of their twin boys, Sam (played by Bobby Steggert) is raised as a girl, Samantha.  He/She is treated and studied by Dr. Wendell Barnes (played by Paul Niebanck), who believes that gender roles can be nurtured.  When Samantha’s parents (played by Heidi Armbruster and Ted Koch) realize that the strong rejection of the imposed gender is proof that this theory is wrong, they decide to reverse their decision.  The play is an emotional chronicle of struggle, betrayal, and facing the truth.

Bobby Steggert is honest and subtle in his portrayal of the main character.  We see him play him/her from age six through twenty-three.  His range and transitions are strong and smooth.  He is matched by Rebecca Rittenhouse, who plays his love interest at age 23.  Her performance is genuine and her character is filled with a pragmatic level of heart and hope.  Paul Niebanck, Heidi Armbruster, and Ted Koch all play their characters’ objectives with a strong commitment that allows their points of view to be clearly voiced and understood. 

Linsay Firman’s direction finds the right balance that permits the science and emotion of this play to reverberate without bias.  Anne Ziegler’s writing provides strong evidence for heated debate on the topic of gender identity.  Sandra Goldmark’s set design clearly reflects the theme of duality that turns the world of the characters upside down.

Boy runs through April 9 at the Clurman Theatre on Theatre Row.  It is a well-produced play on a controversial topic that is well worth seeing. 

Domenick Danza