Arnold, Norman, Barry and Lucien are four very special characters

who are the main concern of Jack, their social worker. "The

Boys Next Door," a play by Tom Griffin concerns the realities

faced by the mentally challenged and the people who care for

them. Directed by Michael McClendon, who also plays the role

of Jack, this is to be his last production job for the Newnan

Theatre Company. "This is, without a doubt, one of the most

emotionally satisfying shows for audiences that I've ever been

associated with," said McClendon. McClendon previously directed "To

Kill A Mockingbird" and "The Miracle Worker" at

NTC.

The "Boys" of the title each have their own unique

handicap. Arnold is the ringleader of the group; he's a

hyperactive, compulsive chatterer suffering from deep-seated

insecurities and a persecution complex. There's Norman,

a worker in a doughnut shop who can't resist the lure of

the sweet pastries; he also takes great pride in the huge bundle

of keys dangling from his waist. Lucien P. Smith has the mind

of a five-year-old, but lugs around weighty books, imagining

he can read and comprehend them. Brilliant schizophrenic Barry,

devastated by the rejection of his brutal father, fantasizes

that he is a golf pro.

As for Jack, McClendon says "I'm the sounding board.

I'm the listener." He uses his character's sensibilites

as he is directing the show. "I sort of wear Jack at rehearsal.

You understand Jack. The place where I'm directing is where

Jack is at."

In preparation for their roles, the "Boys" attended

movement classes at the Rutledge Center in Newnan, a simple exercise

class which focuses on mind and body stimulation.

"What makes this particular production so satisfying to

me is the first-rate cast. I truly cannot remember ever having

worked with a cast of this caliber," says McClendon. "They

bring each role to life with humor and pathos. I believe our

audience will become so involved with these people and the circumstances

of their lives, that the line between actor and character will

blur."

"In past productions of "The Boys Next Door," we've

seen patrons returning again and again, each time bringing new

people with them. During our rehearsals for this production,

we've watched people who've dropped in react by bursting

into laughter and tears," says McClendon. "This is

an experience that will literally make you laugh and make you

cry, and leave you feeling satisfied and uplifted."

In the daily lives of these four men, little things sometimes

become momentous, and often very funny. And there are touching

moments of great poignancy when we're reminded that the

handicapped, like the rest of us, want only to love, laugh and

find meaning and purpose in their lives. "We all have degrees

of differences." McClendon says.

The cast includes audience favorite Jeff Allen as Arnold Wiggins

and Samuel Knight as Lucien P. Smith. Knight wowed audiences

as the accused rapist in NTC's "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Also onstage will be NTC Artistic Director Dave Dorrell as Norman

Bulansky, Bill Bouris as Mr. Klemper, Robert Stokely as Mr. Hedges,

Rick Olsen as Mr. Corbin and Senator Clarke, JoAnne Pritchett

as Mrs. Fremus, and Cathy Johanson as Clara.

There are some firsts among the cast. Two seasoned pros are

making their Newnan debuts, Gloria Wright (as Sheila) and Ryan

Turk (as Barry Klemper). Roxana Wright (as Mrs. Warren) is making

her stage debut.

"The Boys Next Door" opens this Friday and runs for

3 weekends, through Sunday, August 29. Show on Aug 13, 14, 20,

21 and 27 at 8pm. Matinees will be on Sundays, August 15, 22

and 29 at 2:30pm. There will be no show on Saturday, August 28.

Instead, a Thursday performance has been added, August 26 at

8 p.m.

This is a MainStage Series performance. Tickets are $12 for

adults, $10 for students and senior citizens.

Newnan Theatre Company is located at 24 First Avenue in Newnan.

For reservations and more information, call 770-683-6282 or email

[email protected] [email protected]. or visit us on the web at www.newnantheatre.com."

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