By Emma Gomez, Arts & Entertainment Editor
How much does the gender we are born with play into our identity? Is gender determined more by nature or nurture? What happens to a person who is denied the chance to grow up in the body he was born with?
These are some of the complex questions explored in the Moraine Valley theater department’s new play, “Boy,” which opens Friday in the John and Angeline Oremus Theater.
“Boy” is inspired by a true story that took place in the 1960s. The story itself explores the complications of “trying to find love in a new body, and the inextricable bonds between doctor and patient.” A doctor with good intentions convinces parents of a baby boy to raise their son as a girl after a terrible accident and two decades later, the repercussions come to the surface and audience members get to watch their story unfold.
The cast features Eli West in the lead role of Adam/Samantha Turner, David Roczkowski as Dr. Wendell Turner, Jeannie Oakes as Jenny Lafferty, Gracie Polchan as Trudy Turner, and Joe Gomez as Doug Turner.
“Boy” was written by Anna Ziegler, who is an award-winning American playwright. She graduated from Yale University, the University of East Anglia, and New York University, earning an MA in poetry and an MFA in dramatic writing. One of her more famous plays, “Photograph 51,” starred actress Nicole Kidman and won an award for the Best New Play. Kidman later won Best Actress for her performance.
The play will run through March 6, with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights with a matinee at 3:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets for all theater productions are $12 but are free for students with a valid school ID. Tickets still must be reserved prior to the show. Those attending must wear face masks and show a vaccine card and photo ID.
Another thrilling show coming to the FPAC is “Eurydice.” Based on a Greek myth, this play is about a young woman who passed away on her wedding day who must now find her way into the afterlife. Eventually, she reunites with her father and finds it troubling to remember her almost husband-to-be.
Auditions for “Eurydice” will take place March 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the John and Angeline Oremus Theater. Performers auditioning should prepare a short monologue, or they can do a cold reading from the script.
The play was written by Sarah Ruhl and will run from April 29 to May 8 with shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Students who have a 2.0 GPA or higher may register to receive college credit if cast in the play.
If you are interested in auditioning, you must sign up in advance at the Fine and Performing Arts Center or by contacting Craig Rosen at rosen@morainevalley.edu. or (708) 974-5432.
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