`The Boys Next Door’ hilarious, stirring

Theater review

Tom Griffin’s play “The Boys Next Door” takes a daringly comedic look at the lives of four men who are mentally handicapped and their caseworker who has grown frustrated with his job and personal life. The episodic story revolves around the apartment and issues that the men share, how they go about orienting themselves in a world that is sometimes confusing, sometimes exciting, but almost always eventful.

The play opens with a monologue by Arnold who describes himself as a “nervous person.” He has just returned from the grocery store where the manager has duped him into buying 17 grocery items when all he really needed was a box of cereal and a carton of milk. The situation is not too dissimilar from the time Arnold bought a weather radio and, after four days of nothing but weather reports, called the Coast Guard to inform them that there was a plot to suppress music, news and commercials.

Arnold is joined by Lucien who proudly shows his library card and a stack of agricultural yearbooks he has borrowed because he likes hard books. Weighing heavily on Lucien’s mind is his upcoming appearance before the State Senate subcommittee that wants to cut his benefits. Although Lucien isn’t completely sure how to present himself to the subcommittee, he intends to wear his Spiderman tie because he knows the event is important.

Soon, Norman, who carries a large overflowing key ring on his belt, arrives from his job at the local doughnut shop. He protectively hides a box of broken doughnuts given to him as an “act of kindness” by his co-workers who call him “Billy Bulemia.” The group’s supervisor, Jack, helps Norman to understand the correlation between the doughnuts and his recent weight gain, but the doughnut dilemma is a daily battle.

The scene fades to Barry, a high-strung schizophrenic, who has convinced himself that he is a golf pro and offers lessons that begin with “How to Handle a Heckler in the Gallery.” The big event in Barry’s recent life is that his father, a one-armed man who Barry describes as a coach for the Yankees and the 49ers, is coming to visit him after a nine-year absence.

The Marsh Island Stage Company production of “The Boys Next Door” is fast paced, hilarious, and stirring. The four leading men develop their characters fully without falling into terribly stereotypical portrayals. Larry Hueras as Arnold has skillful timing and is a fine example of how to create a role. Likewise, Frank Applebee as Norman shows a thorough and careful approach to his acting. Theater newcomer Rick Wormwood offers an endearing depiction of Lucien. And as the frenetic but fragile Barry, Tyler Zimba exhibits a broad range of acting ability.

Reed David Farrar as Jack is rather weak in comparison. Jack is

worn out, but Farrar’s monotones are often too relaxed. Karin Shearer as Sheila, Norman’s key-seeking girlfriend, is impressive. She surrenders herself to the role, donning a variety of bizarre hats and colorful costumes that are funny, but never poke fun. As Barry’s father, Dick Brucher shows that cruelty is the most severe disability.

Director Carlene Hirsch does an admirable job with Griffin’s complex and demanding script. The blackouts between scenes are somewhat disconnecting, but the lack of space at the Ram’s Horn has obviously caused this problem. Hirsch otherwise uses the space creatively and effectively.

“The Boys Next Door” will be performed 8 p.m. May 4-6 and 11-13 at the Ram’s Horn on Grove Street in Orono. For reservations call 827-2917.