Reviews Choir Boy
National Reviews
“Another must-see, stunning piece of art from playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney. … Put simply, this is a play that demands to be seen, deserves to be seen, and must be seen.” –BroadwayWorld
“Believe the buzz. Choir Boy, the small but mighty coming-of-age play by Tarell Alvin McCraney, deserves its kudos. [The play] captures the bristling tensions at a prestigious prep school for African American boys when a flamboyantly gay youth is named leader of their celebrated gospel choir.” –Variety
“The sweet harmonies of classic spirituals unite the sometimes fractious voices of the young men in Choir Boy … but when they raise their voices in unison, they offer a glimpse of a world in which the cruelty that can divide and destroy is dissolved in a graceful, embracing order. [An] affecting and honest portrait … of a gay youth tentatively beginning to find the courage to let the truth about himself become known.” –The New York Times
“Choir Boy is a joyous celebration of vulnerability, a heartwarming reflection of how far we have come – and how far there is to go.” –Limelight Magazine
“In his stirring and stylishly told drama, Tarell Alvin McCraney cannily explores race and sexuality and the graces and gravity of history.” –NY Daily News
“A portrait of male adolescent turmoil within the walls of a prestigious African-American prep school.” —Hollywood Reporter
“The songs bring the house down. ... Choir Boy ascends and its choirboys achieve, as long as the notes hold, what feels like freedom.” –The Guardian
“Filled with beautifully sung a cappella hymns. … In Choir Boy, McCraney shows us how the arts can strengthen our sense of self and unite us, not just in spite of our differences but in celebration of them, if we only let them.” –The Globe & Mail
In the News
"Although packed with a cappella spirituals and hymns, and featuring enough step choreography to fill a week of Fitbit goals, Choir Boy is not categorized as a musical. Still, the nonmusical musical is sure to hit all the right notes." View the Feature
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).