New Beginnings with ‘The Boys’

For the last several years, New Beginnings’ annual fall fundraiser has moved beyond the typical wine-and-dine gala concept to actually put the focus on the longtime nonprofit’s areas of service – via presenting a theatrical event that mirrors themes of issues it works to combat. This year’s offering, The Boys Next Door, examines issues of mental health, developmental disabilities, and permanent supportive housing; all of which are integral to New Beginnings’ mission to support individuals and families facing similar challenges in our community. 

This play focuses on four men with those challenges who are living together in a shared housing residence under the guidance of a caring but burned-out social worker, employing alternately poignant and humorous moments to explore their daily challenges, triumphs, and aspirations. 

The Boys Next Door was written by Tom Griffin in 1988, but the issues it explores are perhaps even more paramount today, said director Jenny Sullivan, the longtime theater veteran who suggested the play for her third turn at the helm of New Beginnings’ fundraiser feature. 

“It’s a wonderful story that really addresses a subject that the organization wants to dramatize,” she said. “You get to see how this group of people with different disabilities create their own kind of family, and they’re amazing characters. The play also shows what it’s like to be the care provider who’s trying to manage this three-ring circus, making sure everybody’s okay and having a good life. There’s so much humor as well as poignant moments.” 

Sullivan’s familiarity with the issue runs to her own mentally handicapped brother, who lived in a state institution for years before she was able to get him into a group home for the last 10 years of his life. She also tapped as dramaturg longtime local theater veteran Rod Lathim – who has twice directed productions of The Boys Next Door – and assembled an impressive cast that includes Michael Nouri, Matt Cook, John Kassir, Sam Trammell, Devin Scott, and ETC 30-show veteran Nancy Nufer, among others. Former Assemblymember Hannah-Beth Jackson and her husband, Judge George Eskin, will also portray characters. 

“I wanted to use more people from our community as a little treat for the Santa Barbara audience,” Sullivan explained. 

While the performance at the New Vic Theatre on November 2 is New Beginnings’ way of employing theater to engage the audience in discussion, experience and education about the critical issues, the play is also meant to be lively entertainment in its own right. 

“Just come see this wonderful world of The Boys Next Door,” Sullivan said. 

Visit https://etcsb.org/whats-on/community-events or www.sbnbcc.org.