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Boychik:
A Play about Fathers, Sons, Ping-Pong and Pickled Herring |
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A bittersweet story of a father and son's reconciliation with each other and Judaism.
(Finalist, HBO New Writer's Project)
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» Full Review
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"A compelling and tender play about a man rediscovering his
love for his father!"
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Jeffery Lyons, NBC
"Impeccably mounted, convincing and ultimately moving!"
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Aileen Jacobson, Newsday
"A sentimental play that works!"
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Mary Campbell, Associated Press
"A magnificent, must-see one-character play!"
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Tim Boxer, The Jewish Week
"Rich, powerful, moving and well-crafted...a truly exceptional production!"
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Sherry Shameer, Jewish Ledger |
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A Boychik Review in Full
GREAT WRITING MAKES
"BOYCHIK" A MUST SEE
By Sherry Shameer
A parent's death is not the end of a relationship, but the beginning of yet
another new journey into self-discovery. This theme is a staple in theatre,
but one that is treated superbly in Richard W. Krevolin's new play, "Boychik,"
which opened at Theatre Four earlier this month in New York City.
The play opens as Larry Levin (played by Richard Kline), a bridge builder for Westchester
County, is forced to re-examine his relationship with his father, Heshy,
who died a year ago. He refuses to follow the Jewish tradition of lighting
a yahrzeit candle and reciting the Kaddish for him. A letter from his aunt
convinces him to retrieve the contents of his father's safety deposit box.
The box contains memories which reshape themselves with new understanding
and insight and can transform his future.
The ironic story of the civil engineer who needs to build his own bridges is told movingly in Krevolin's
one-man show. It is funny, sweet and sentimental without being mawkish.
The writing is exquisite, with lyrical passages that vividly bring to life
an array of memorable characters. Coming to terms with the past The tender
traits he remembers in his father can't obliterate the painful memories
and open wounds which resulted first from his marriage to a Gentile woman
and then from his mother's death. Is the relationship with his father worth
commemorating? In a variation of the traditional prayer, it is "not by
might and not by power, but by spirit alone" that will guide Larry. This
does not happen, though, until a surprising twist near the end is revealed.
Although Kline is perhaps best known for playing the neighbor in the long-running
TV sitcom, "Three's Company," he is clearly at home in the theatre (recently
he starred as the butler in "By Jeeves" at the Goodspeed Opera House).
He was effective as Larry, with good stage presence and good range, and
gave the various characters he described color and dignity. Overall, Max
Mayer did a find job directing the play. However, there could have been
smoother transitions between some sections of the play. nevertheless, most
of the play unfolded naturally and credibly.
Thomas Lynch's simple set consisted of a wide wooden bar upstage, and a worktable
with a model bridge, chair, and staircase at the side. Complementing Lynch's modest
set is Jeff Croiter's extraordinary lighting. Croiter transformed the plain set
into wondrous scene settings, including a synagogue with an impressively large
and elaborate panel of stained glass windows. Symbolic lighting; intentionally
or not, there was a lot of symbolism in Croiter's lighting and it was as
rich and well-crafted as Krevolin's play. The intricate grids which were
illuminated on the upstage wall could symbolize boxes that shut people
and memories out or could represent steps to build bridges. The repetitive
patterns could reflect the traditions handed down from generation to generation—or
the mistakes people keep making in their relationships. The arcs of light
in Heshy's study were comparable to the shape of the model of the bridge
on Larry's work table. Those rays of light could help illuminate the path
Larry would take on his personal journey.
Before its Off-Broadway run, "Boychik" toured the United States as a concert production
in synagogues and universities (Under its original title, "Yahrzeit," it had its
premiere at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven in Woodbridge). Theatre
Four is an intimate theatre that is perfect for this genre. Krevolin's
play is moving and powerful in and of itself, but the dynamic teamwork
of Lynch and Croiter help make it a truly exceptional production. Too ethnic?
Absolutely not. Larry's mixed emotions about his heritage and his relationship
with his parents are universal. All the shibboleths were explained to the
unacquainted, albeit occasionally a bit inaccurately.
Boychik is produced by Barrie and Lynn Wexler, with the participation of Woodbridge
residents Murray and Marvin Lender. Krevolin loosely based the characters and incidents
on his experiences while growing up and working in Greater New Haven.
Connecticut Jewish Ledger - February 28, 1997
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