Presented by James Terry Collective, The Boys in the Band – the ground-breaking and controversial play is about to conclude its highly anticipated restaging at Chapel off Chapel, reigniting discussions on LGBTQ+ history, censorship, and artistic freedom.
The Tony-Award winning play by Mart Crowley was first staged in 1968 New York to critical acclaim, and following the success of its 2018 Broadway revival, the play was adapted to a Netflix film (2020) starring Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto, Andrew Rannels, and Matt Bomer.
Set in a New York City apartment during the late 1960s, this ground-breaking play captures the raw, unfiltered dynamics of a group of gay men coming together for a birthday celebration that quickly unravels into a night of truth-telling, emotional revelations, and unexpected confrontations.
Originally debuting when the act of homosexuality was still illegal in most parts of the United States, The Boys in the Band shattered societal norms and provided a raw, unfiltered look into the lives of gay men at a time when they were largely invisible in mainstream media.
The play is both a time capsule of pre-Stonewall LGBTQIA+ life and a timeless reflection on human vulnerability. Whether you are familiar with its historical significance or experiencing it for the first time, this production offers an electrifying theatrical experience that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking for all audiences.
More than 50 years since its premiere in Australia, which led to the arrest of two cast members for using “offensive language” on stage, the play’s 1970 film adaptation was subsequently banned in Australia, cementing its status as one of the most controversial and politically charged theatrical works of its time.
Directed by Alister Smith (Elvis a Revolution, The Wedding Singer), the stellar cast includes Maverick Newman, Mason Gasowski, Jack Stratton-Smith, Andy Johnston, Stephen Mahy, Ryan Henry, Adolphus Waylee, Harry McGinty and Mitchell Holland.
“If there were ever a time to revisit The Boys in the Band, it’s now. The work feels more resonant than ever” – People Magazine
The Boys in the Band
Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Season continues to 15 March 2025
Bookings: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au
For more information, visit: www.theboysintheband.com.au for details.
Image: The Boys in the Band – courtesy of James Terry Collective