“Director Frank Metayer’s wealth of experience definitely shines through in every performance here. Every movement and subtle nuance felt natural, which is paramount when your actors play mentally challenged characters. Not only does he keep his actors from degenerating into stereotypical caricatures, each character manages to be unique and memorable and dignified in their own way."
-Valley Scene
"This superbly committed cast invites the audience to surrender their preconceptions and find universal truth, warmth, humor and hope in this rewarding evening. Frank Metayer’s sensitive but unflinching direction steers the ensemble to discovery and grace…”
-MetroLA Magazine reviewer Jerry L. Jackson
The Boys Next Door examines the lives of four mentally challenged men and their earnest but increasingly “burned out” young social worker. Gail Williamson, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (Scene Adviser for The Boys Next Door) adds, “Adults with intellectual disabilities and mental illness, who lived in group homes in 1986 when the play was written, quite often did not grow up living with their birth families and included in their communities. We have come a long way since then, but by stepping back and viewing our history we are encouraged by the progress and more dedicated to continue to work toward an even more inclusive society.”
Dixie Henrikson, Executive Director of ARC - Activities for Retarded Children and Adults notes, “Times have changed since the 40 years we have been involved in the world of my daughter, her friends and their disabilities--it's been for the better. It is a pleasure to know that not all of that time was doom and gloom, but many wonderful hours of shared love and happiness. ARC has been built and supported by the community and the artistic community of North Hollywood and the Greater Los Angeles area. ARC is proud and happy to lend its support to The Boys Next Door as our way of giving back to that artistic community as well as continuing to educate the public and advocate for persons with developmental disabilities.”
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