The Boys in the Band play sashays into the Windy City Playhouse this week and it's a welcome return of a classic drama. The movie version of The Boys in the Band is full of angst and sadness and while this version of the show contains those elements, there is also more humor to lighten up the heavy second half of the story.
The Playhouse continues with a trend of immersing the audience into the production after having success with Southern Gothic in the past. It's a tactic that works very well in this case and watching the audience react while facing them is all part of the fun.
There's no need for an intermission as the audience can step out to use the restroom anytime. This can be distracting and hopefully kept to a minimum for future audiences. Serving cocktails and food goes right along with this, but the staff is quietly effecient in this regard. Possibly more food could be offered, such as cake during the birthday scene. Although, can you imagine the crumbs everywhere? Cupcakes outside in the lobby was the solution to this the night I attended.