"Won't You Charleston With Me?"
On Thursday, October 3, APU Drama presented the opening performance of Sandy Wilson’s The Boyfriend. Written in 1954, the musical is a parody of a roaring 20’s flapper romance.
Set in Madame DuBanet’s finishing school on the French Riviera, the musical comedy bounces along through the misadventures of a group of girls, touching lighthearted themes of youth and love while offering a tongue-in-cheek view of accepted theatrical conventions.
Bart McHenry, assistant professor of Communication Studies, directed the cast of 16. McHenry said that the small cast size made the musical “a joy to rehearse,” and allowed for the selection of “one of the most talented groups of individuals [he has] worked with.”
APU’s production of The Boyfriend is timely. Last year saw the Broadway success of the twenties-style musical comedy Thoroughly Modern Millie. In addition, The Producers, a musical that mocks the conventions of theater, brought in a record-breaking number of Tony Awards. “With this musical we’re in step with what’s popular,” said McHenry.
Performances of The Boyfriend will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, October 10-12 at 7:30 p.m., with a special afternoon performance on Saturday, October 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at InCom or at the door. The APU Theatre is located in the Mary Hill Center on West Campus.
Posted: October 7, 2002