THOMASVILLE — A handicap does not make an individual, nor does it mean the person is unworthy or incapable of being accepted and loved.

This is a main theme in Thomasville On Stage and Company’s upcoming production of Tom Griffin’s “The Boys Next Door,” opening Friday.

“I think this play will really let people know what they take for granted every day and really make them think about what they are doing the next time,” actor Tyler Benowitz said.

“Even if that is simply shopping for groceries, I hope it makes them realize how lucky they are to be able to do something like that so easily.”

The story unravels in a communal residence in New England and focuses on four men and their social worker.

“The play is about four guys who are developmentally disabled and are living together in a group apartment,” actor David Powell, who plays their social worker “Jack,” said.

“The plan is to move them from institutional living into the community. My character is there to help ease them into it, to help them realize some of the harsher realities and come to terms with their personal stuff.”

Norman works in a donut shop and is unable to resist both the pastry and keys; Lucien P. Smith has the mind of a five-year-old but imagines he does not; Arnold is a hyperactive with insecurities and a persecution complex; and, Barry is a schizophrenic devastated by his father’s rejection who fantasizes he is golf pro.

“Arnold is mostly functional, but he gets a little confused sometimes,” portrayer Rob Shimer said. “He’s mostly just nerves and a little bit of OCD; he’s just trying to make it through the day.”

Jon Towns describes his character, Lucien, as “the least functional.”

“He’s 40 but is five in his head,” he said. “There is a moment when I have this monologue and I’m talking like a normal person about our challenges.”

This is his favorite scene because it proves, “though I have all these problems, I am still a human being and deserving of being accepted.”

Ed Echols brings “Norman” to life.

He said the show has a love story between his character and a woman named “Sheila.”

“The romance has a lot of humor in it,” Echols said.





IF YOU GO

WHAT: “The Boys Next Door”

WHEN: Opens 8 p.m. Friday, plays 8 p.m. Saturday and Feb. 26-27, and 2 p.m. Sunday and Feb. 28

WHERE: Thomasville On Stage & Company Storefront Theater

TICKETS: 226-0863 or visit www.TOSAC.com

Benowitz called a pivotal scene between Norman and Sheila “the ultimate romance scene of anything ever created.”

TOSAC veteran Jim Duke plays Barry’s abusive father.

“It is a real thrill to once again be on stage and be able to become another character,” he said.

The show has a lot of laughs and comedy, but also a few dark and genuinely moving moments, cast members said.

Most of the actors said they’ve either known someone or worked with someone who has a developmental disability. Still, being involved with the play has taught them about seeing the world through different eyes.

“One thing that struck me throughout the play is their struggles to live in the real world and how they meet that challenge,” Powell said.

TOSAC’s Jeff Lovett hopes plays like “The Boys Next Door” will encourage others, particularly the younger audience, to take in a live theater show.

“There’s a lot of people in Thomasville that have never seen live theater, something being performed 10 feet in front of you,” he said. “This is a great show to attend and I really hope the younger age group will give it a shot.”

“Boys” marks the directorial debut of TOSAC member Clay Byars.

“I saw this show in college — it was my first one — and, back then it was just fun to watch and was a funny show,” he said. “Now, I appreciate it more for the content.”

He said one character’s moment of lucidity reveals the feelings of all four housemates and helps sum up the show.

“They really want to be accepted as normal, functioning members of society,” Byars said.