For playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, art isnt just for amusement, escapism, or cultural critique.
For Pharus, the protagonist of McCraneys Broadway debut, art is even more than that its survival.
Choir Boyfirst debuted Off Broadway in June 2013, but a lot has happened for McCraney since then.
Credit: © Matthew Murphy, 2018
His unpublished semi-autobiographical playIn Moonlight Black Boys Look Bluebecame the basis for the Oscar-winning filmMoonlightin 2016.
In the same breath, Marrow goes to correct or tighten up the students limp wrist.
Bobby fights his classmate at every turn, including a ferocious pushback on his thesis on spirituals.
The bonds that bind Pharus, however, also bind the other boys.
(Scenic and costume design are from David Zinn; choreography is by Camille A.
But these strong performances also diminish the ending.
Perhaps thats the point.
The music, meanwhile, does.
It feels appropriate, though, thatChoir Boybegins and ends with Trust and Obey.
The music, no matter the form, still sets him free.A-
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