The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is making waves this Pride Month with their revival of "The Boys in the Band," a 1960s play that delves into the lives of gay men during a period when their identities were not celebrated as they are today. The production provides a window into the characters' experiences during a time devoid of rainbow flags and Pride parades, offering a stark contrast to the celebrations of the present.
Director Tim Hedgepeth, in a statement obtained by KSAT, emphasized the play's relevance and importance. "What I like about the characters is the fact that the playwright, Matt Crowley, gave us nine very believable characters. All of them gay, one of them perhaps questioning, but by the same token, all different people," Hedgepeth said. The actor Jimmy Moore's portrayal of Michael captures the essence of a man grappling with his identity as the night, and the play, descends into chaos.
Adding another layer to the conversation, Joshua Cook's performance as Bernard provides insight into the intersectionality of race and sexual orientation, as he navigates the reality of being a Black gay man in the 1960s. "Bernard is one of those many characters who is able to delve into his past, and you’re able to learn a little more about his character and how it shapes the world he’s living in in that time,” Cook told KSAT.
According to a BroadwayWorld review, the production's authenticity is palpable, with audiences being pulled into an immersive experience of a bygone era's gay community. Reviewers expressed difficulty in articulating the full impact of the play, suggesting its effect lingers far beyond the curtain call. "This play did the most powerful thing that a play can do. It showed us a picture of the truth. The joyous, horrific, wondrous, terrifying, painful truth," the BroadwayWorld review stated.
"The Boys in the Band" is not just a reimagining of a historical narrative but a reminder of the progress made, and the progress yet to come, in the LGBTQ+ community. Performances like Jimmy Moore's have left audiences reflective and moved, as observed on opening night where his entrance garnered applause akin to that for a Broadway star. The play runs from June 6 to June 30 and serves as an integral addition to San Antonio's Pride Month celebrations. For tickets and more information on showtimes, visit the Classic Theatre's website.
