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'The Boys Next Door' returns to the SIC stage after 21 years

HARRISBURG - Southeastern Illinois College Theatre presents "The Boys Next Door" at 7 p.m. on Feb. 8 and 9 in the George T. Dennis Visual & Performing Arts Center.

"The Boys Next Door" is comedy-drama written by Tom Griffin and set in the Boston area. The cast includes Barry (Jordan Richey of Benton), Norman (Alex McRoy of Harrisburg), Arnold (Carter Reed of Harrisburg), and Lucien (Braden Cummins of Carrier Mills). The four men have various mental disabilities and live in a city apartment together overseen by their caregiver Jack (Chanse Tullis of Springerton).

The show takes place over roughly a two-month period and provides a humorous commentary on the men's lives focusing on their hopes, affections and frustrations.

The show is once again directed by retiring Theatre Director Allan Kimball.

"It is exciting to turn back time and revisit the very first play I directed here at SIC," Kimball said. "This play has always held a special place in my heart. As we rehearse this production with this amazingly talented cast, I constantly flashback to my first days here at SIC and the wonderful experience I had working with that first awesome cast. It is hard to believe that 21 years have passed since that first production."

Kimball said the play is about four mentally and emotionally-challenged men, "who like all of us, just want to love and laugh and find meaning in life.

"The play offers us a chance to see the lives of people who are struggling to get along and who are, in that respect, not all that much different from the rest of us. It is a touching and yet humorous play that will leave you feeling so many wonderful emotions."

SIC sophomore and veteran performer on the SIC stage, Alex McRoy, agreed.

"It's a joy to get to work with such an amazing group of performers in order to bring this terrific show to the stage," McRoy said.

Freshman Carter Reed added, "'The Boys Next Door' is a challenging show because of the important meaning the show carries. You have to be genuine when you play these boys so it doesn't come off as offensive."

He called Kimball an extraordinary director, who has helped the actors find their characters.

Aaron McRoy of Harrisburg is the stage manager for "The Boys Next Door." Costumes are being designed and provided by Janet Hart and Gareth York. John Hart of Hart's Music in Harrisburg will provide the sound equipment.

General seating tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students, staff and seniors. Buy them at the door or in advance by calling (618) 252-5400, ext. 2486 or (618) 841-4649 or by emailing boxoffice@sic.edu.