WBC Theatre Program to Stage “The Boys Next Door”

WBC Theatre Program to Stage “The Boys Next Door”
By Gabriel Sitibaldi

Williams Baptist College’s theatre program will conclude its 2015-16 season with the play, “The Boys Next Door,” directed by Melinda Williams. The production will take place Thursday, April 7, and Friday, April 8.

The play is a comedy-drama, written by Tom Griffin, and takes place in Boston. The story involves four men, Arnold Wiggins, Norman Bulansky, Barry Klemper and Lucien P. Smith, who have mental disabilities, and live in a group home.

“I chose this play because I wanted something that highlighted the male talent we have at WBC,” said Williams, who serves as the head of the theatre department.

Williams students in the cast include: Ethan Risley of Farmington, Ark.; Julia Clark of Batesville, Ark.; Trenton Neeley of Lynn, Ark.; RJ Platz of Lundford, Ark.; Nick Scarborough of Batesville, Ark.; Nate Wogoman of Paragould, Ark.; Olivia Hovis-Wogoman of Pocahontas, Ark.; Louis Bryant of Forrest City, Ark.; and Bethany Dorton of Judsonia, Ark.

Kelly Grooms, general manager of the Downtown Playhouse in Pocahontas, will also join the cast and play the role of Norman.

“I saw a production of the play that Kelly Grooms directed and performed. I fell in love with the show. As an audience member, I laughed until I cried and then I cried because I was moved by the production. I love character-driven plays and this is definitely one,” said Williams.

The production will take place in WBC’s Old Chapel. General admission is $5, and $3 for students and senior citizens.