You can?t go home again, but can you ever really leave?
“Brooklyn Boy” deals with novelist Eric Weiss, a 40-something who has finally written a book that has broken the New York Times best-seller list. But at the same time, his father is dying of cancer in a hospital in Eric?s native Brooklyn.
Olney Theatre?s artistic director and play director Jim Petosa has always been a fan of Brooklyn Boy?s playwright, Donald Margulies. “His writing is elegantly constructed,” Petosa said. “He writes very compelling dialogue for actors to wrap their gifts around.”
“It?s a story of reconciliation, but also a story of recognition and discovery,” Petosa said. “It?s human and funny and profound. Audiences have been incredibly responsive to it.”
The cast, comprising of both local and national actors, rehearsed for about three weeks before putting on their first show.
Actor Howard Elfman portrays Eric?s father in the play.
“Donald is a wonderful playwright, the way he fleshes out the characters and their nuances. It?s just a wonderful story about this man?s coming of age, and his relationships with his family and friends, and how he comes to realize that what he is and who he is, is what made him this wonderful and talented writer. It?s a great examination of conflicts between people,” said Elfman.
Petosa agreed that the play is a must-see.
“If you want to see a play that is both funny and moving, that reminds you of aspects of your own growing up, [Brooklyn Boy] is it,” he said. “You will leave moved, smiling, joyful and touched. It is a remarkable evening in the theatre.”
IF YOU GO
“Brooklyn Boy”
» Venue: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney
» When: Through Aug. 5, 8 p.m. Wed. through Sat., 2 p.m. Wed. and Sat., 7:30 and 2 p.m. Sun.
» Tickets: $25 to $41
» Information: 301-924-3400, www.olneytheatre.org
