Maine Masque Presents ‘Boys’ Life’ April 8-11 at UMaine
Contact: George Manlove, 581-3756
ORONO — This year’s Maine Masque student production is “Boys’ Life,” a play that should appeal to college-age young people dealing with the conflicts of early adulthood as they move from a largely carefree lifestyle to one with more commitment and consequence.
Written by playwright Howard Korder and directed by Simon Ferland, a fourth-year theater and math double major, the play opens April 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Hauck Auditorium and runs through April 11.
The play is about three friends, Jack, Don and Phil, whose relationships with one another and with wives, girlfriends or dates are affected by communication, or a lack of communication.
Ferland, of Old Town, says he chose “Boy’s Life” because of its themes and relevance to younger audiences. It is a comedy with dramatic elements, he says.
“The play is largely comedic, but because of the serious nature of what is happening and what is being said, it then develops into something of a comedic-dramatic blend,” Ferland says. “I also think that, given what the characters are going through — the themes of growing up, relationships and friendships, and the importance of communication — this will strongly resonate with both younger and older audience members.”
Younger audiences can take a closer look at themselves by identifying with the characters, while older audiences may look back on their pasts and think about whether they played the same sort of games they see in Boys’ Life, Ferland says.
The lead actors are Craig Douglas of Orono, Edward Benson of Mount Desert and Sam Watson of Manchester.
“Boys’ Life” starts at 7:30 p.m April 8-11, with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 11. Admission is $10 and free for students with a MaineCard. For more information, call the Collins Center for the Arts box office at 581-1755.