See it if Great, young talent, bravely put forth a story of individuality and the desire to fit in.
Don't see it if Racist, homophobic and hating need not attend...unless you're willing to listen. learn and open up your hearts.
See it if you're looking for an enthralling story of a very modern discussion of masculinity.
Don't see it if you're uncomfortable with male nudity. Read more
See it if you're open-minded to witness a play that tackles homophobic struggles, while still telling a great story with engaging acting/singing
Don't see it if you don't care to see the struggle the gay youth face, specifically in the African-American community -
See it if if you enjoy being drawn into earnest yearning high-school drama that pulses with current as well as timeless themes - & plentiful music
Don't see it if if you don't like a little too much contrived dancing - the only glaring fault in this production. Read more
See it if you want to see a host of masterful performances and a riveting story.
Don't see it if you’re thinking it’s a musical. It’s not. It is firmly in the “play with music” category.
See it if you are ready for a sensitive, emotional and well written moving story that deals with serious LGBTQ issues. Talented cast of actors.
Don't see it if are homophobic, uncomfortable with gay issues and do not like drama with music as part of the story line. Read more
See it if You have the chance, it was funny and intense, it'll will keep you guessing all the way to the end. Amazing singer and bonus: nudity.
Don't see it if if you're homophobic or don't like topic/story lines based around gays men. You're later as there is no later seating.
See it if richly written and sharply taut performances by an ensemble cast with believable high school characters coming of age
Don't see it if melodramatic moments are occasionally self-indulgent and it is often hard to hear Mr. Pendelton in the mezzanine
"It is filled to the brim with gorgeous singing, kind and loving humorous and harmonious connection, and painful punches to the gut and to the head...It’s a star making performance by Jeremy Pope...As directed with a strong-arm for conflict and a precise ear for song, Trip Cullman keeps this one-act play moving clearly and lightly, like a fine-tuned orchestra performing a classic piece of Mozart."
Read more
"Important and engaging...Under Trip Cullman’s sensitive and discerning direction, and with the full support of the dynamic cast, Mr. Pope and Mr. Clay III wrestle with the relentless demons of homophobia and racism and deliver engaging performances that are solidly related to their disparate conflicts."
Read more
"Had McCraney limited his play simply to Pharus' journey, even told as compellingly and bravely as it is, the work would be stirring. But it's more than that because McCraney adds so many layers to his tale, including the boys' various relationships to their parents, an exploration of the realities of wealth in the African-American community, and even a much-needed outside perspective to the longtime issue of race relations."
Read more
"McCraney's play engages with sexual and racial issues…These are well conveyed by McCraney's dialogue, although its crafting sometimes seems too carefully designed for dramatic effect and not what boys of this age would normally say…What many will take away…are its musical interpolations, sung acapella in exquisite harmonies…Everything is well timed and fluid. On the other hand, there's a theatrical overlay that makes the boys seem more like they're performing than being."
Read more
"Sweet, sad, substantive play. With nimble direction by Trip Cullman and a lively cast mostly of Broadway newcomers performing some soulful music, it doubles as a glorious entertainment...Each of these characters arguably illustrates for us what it means to become a black man in America, giving a freshness to what is in broad outline a familiar boarding school coming-of-age story."
Read more
“While McCraney cannot avoid revisiting coming-of-age themes about youthful angst we’ve seen before...’Choir Boy’ offers a fresh take by making race an essential component of the play. The playwright also provides us with more nuanced characterizations...Despite some flaws, as when the playwright slips into easy (if genuinely funny) jokey punch lines instead of dealing directly with some of the issues, ‘Choir Boy’ is splendidly performed and beautifully directed by Cullman."
Read more
“The Oscar-winning 'Moonlight' writer transfers his musical to a bigger venue and, while there are missteps, the songs bring the house down...The play works best as a jewel-faceted character study with Pope tenderly inhabiting a young man hungry for love and respect...A play needs a plot and this one is only lightly sketched...The tension between the richness of the characters and the thinness of the story isn’t always held with grace.”
Read more
"'Choir Boy,' grabs your heart and your soul with the exquisite performance by Jeremy Pope...It is the play's quiet moments, such as when Pharus calls his mom or A.J. comforts Pharus, that the show breaks your heart. The cast is extremely effective and wonderfully talented. We know who each of these people are, but it is the charismatic Pope, in his star-making role of Pharus, that steals the stage and our hearts...So far the best play of the year and the best performance by an actor."
Read more