Groping Towards Adulthood: The History Boys @ ArtsWest
A hit on the London and Broadway stage, as well as a 2006 movie, Alan Bennett's The History Boys (ArtsWest, Wed.-Sat., 7:30, Sat., Sun. 3 p.m. through March 29, Tix $10-$32) is making its Seattle premiere at West Seattle's favorite playhouse, ArtsWest. Christopher Zinovitch directs this nearly three-hour play.
Alex Garnett, Caleb Todd, John Budge, Ben McFadden and Andrew McIntyre in "The History Boys" at ArtsWest. Photo by Matt Durham Photography.
However, these young minds in particular are snappy British blokes attending a British grammar school in the 1980s whose sole focus is really prepping them for the notorious Oxbridge entrance exams--read up on those if you're not familiar before seeing this play. That focus inspires the Headmaster (Dennis Kleinsmith) to hire Irwin (Jon Lutyens), a young hotshot who is not as much concerned with truth or facts as he is in coming up with original-sounding answers for the examiners. Meanwhile, their other history teacher, Mrs. Linnott, occasionally injects a female perspective into the situation.
The "boys" are eight charismatic students, with some actors having more memorable turns than others. The class lothario, Dakin (Alex Garnett), is the fearless leader of the pack. The young, impressionable Posner (Justin Huertas) has an outspoken crush on Dakin, which is accepted by Dakin and the rest without much ridicule. Actually, there was not much in the way of ridicule or scorn at all in regards to the homosexual leanings of a few of the boys and their teachers.
Bennett's heady, humorous dialogue makes this coming-of-age story entertaining to listen to, but we were taken aback by the practically non-issue made out of Hector's fondling of boys while giving them rides on his scooter. In our research after the fact, we learned this was common during that era, and the boys just chalked it up to a part of their teaching. Alas, we were not prepared for severe lack of repercussions for one caught committing this act, other than a coerced early retirement. Thankfully times have changed.
ArtsWest's staging and the quality performances make sure this three-hour play never feels like a slog. And ArtWest has just announced that, due to popularity, the run has been extended through April 4!
