Girls & Boys

Girls & Boys

Minetta Lane Theatre

The Royal Court Theatre

July 7, 2018

Photo courtesy of Girls & Boys

The Royal Court Theatre’s production of Girls & Boys is now running at the Minetta Lane Theatre.  This one woman play starring Carey Mulligan tells the story of family annihilation.  Magnificently directed by Lyndsey Turner, Ms. Mulligan transports herself in and out of the character’s memories in an effort to heal herself of grief and despair.  Playwright Dennis Kelly skillfully structures the story to build curiosity, intrigue, empathy, and knowledge.

Lights come up on Carey Mulligan as “the woman.”  She is alone on an empty, turquoise stage.  She is antsy, foul-mouthed, and desperately in search of herself.  She tells the story of how she met her husband in a line at an airport in Italy.  Her first impulse was one of dislike that turned into interest and attraction as he was approached by two stunningly beautiful models looking to cut the line.  The woman continues to tell the story of their lives together and the building of her very successful career as a film producer.  Cutting into this storytelling are scenes between her and her two children.  She becomes different with them.  Loving.  Caring.  Tender.  We see this woman grow and flourish into a focused and grounded wife, mother, and successful entrepreneur.  She then begins the story of what happened to her children, and we understand why they are not present in her memories.

Carey Mulligam
Photo courtesy of Girls & Boys

Carey Mulligan takes the audience on the journey of this character from discovery to happiness, uncertainty to risk, and despair to recovery.  Her transitions are flawless.  Her conversation is direct and personal to each individual member of the audience.  The timing in her humor is succinct.  Her connections are intimate and genuine.

Scenic design by Es Devlin, costume design by Jack Galloway, lighting design by Oliver Fenwick, and video design by Luke Halls all merge to create an effective environment that deeply absorbs the audience into the storytelling and heightens the emotional impact of the events.

Girls & Boys is a unique piece of theatre.  It is skillfully written, directed, and produced.  Don’t miss this impactful portrayal by Carey Mulligan at the Minetta Lane Theatre, now running through July 22.

Domenick Danza