Review: CHOIR BOY, Stratford East
Photo credit: Mark Senior
It's not often that a visit to Fringe theatre gives off a glow of West End opulence. But that's exactly what Stratford East does, with its lush interior and proud history of groundbreaking productions. Choir Boy arrives in London after an odyssey that took it from the Royal Court to Broadway and two Tony Awards. This Bristol Old Vic production, directed by Nancy Medina, sparkles with wit and intelligence. It can only be matter of time before it transfers to the West End, such is the quality created by playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney.
This is a classic coming-of-age drama set in the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys. Pharus (Terique Jarrett) is the primary soloist and leader of the school choir. Headmaster Marrow (Daon Broni) is anxious for the choir to perform well, as it provides a means of promoting the school and generating funds. However, Bobby (Rabi Kondé) can't resist a disruptive dig during a performance. Pharus's sexuality is an open secret amongst the boys, but is suppressed by convention and strict teachings of the school.
The deeply devout David (Michael Ahomka-Lindsay) has ambitions to become a Pastor, while Junior (Khalid Daley) is a picture of wide eyed innocence. AJ (Freddie MacBruce) is a critical friend who shares a room with Pharus and lends a sympathetic shoulder to cry on. Bobby is soon convinced that Pharus snitched on him to Headmaster Marrow. Pharus subsequently throws Bobby out the choir and the others begin to quarrel. Mr Pemberton (Martin Turner) is appointed to bring the warring factions into line, but will the rift ever be healed?
Choir Boy is superior storytelling that quickly gets to grips with the most challenging of subjects. It finds a precise rhythm that gives the characters real depth and meaning. The message is delivered with the utmost care and the audience is left in no doubt as to its conclusions. We see how destructive homophobia is, how things are left unsaid and friendships crumble through a simple lack of understanding. All because we can’t accept that people are different. Sexuality is just another human characteristic, much like some people have blue eyes whilst others have green or brown eyes.
The music is the other outstanding feature of this superlative production. The five principal cast members have the sweetest of voices that make them dead ringers for Sam Cooke or Al Green. When the songs come, they are performed acapella with a style deeply rooted in gospel and African American spirituals. We are treated to staple gospel numbers like ‘Can’t Hear Nobody Pray’ and ‘Trust and Obey’, and a sparkling version of the old George Benson hit ‘Love Ballad’. Whilst Daon Broni and Martin Turner lend sterling support, it’s the boys who steal the show with voices so strong they could break glass. An excellent play that has seemingly flown under radar until now. It won’t be here for long, see it whilst you have the chance.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Brian Penn
Choir Boy plays at London’s Stratford East until 25 April, with further info here.