The Boys of Winter, an antiwar play September 5, 2008

The Boys of Winter, antiwar play written by Barry Brodsky, Dean B. Kaner, & Eric Small; directed by Bridget Kathleen O’Leary. September 5-21; performances run Fri.*-Sat. at 8 pm, Sun. at 2 pm and 8 pm. [*September 5th benefit performance for Veterans For Peace and Iraq Veterans Against The War.] Box Office opens one hour before each show (cash or credit cards only). For advance tickets, log onto www.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/2692 or call 866-811-4111 (toll free).

The Boys of Winter playwrights, Dean B. Kaner and Eric Small, have never met their Boston-based collaborator Barry Brodsky – in person, that is. Their intense collaboration has all been done by way of the Internet, where they have virtually teamed up to tackle the creation of their war-is-hell drama. The Boys of Winter scenario harkens back to the Vietnam War era, yet it easily and eerily could read in the present tense:
Half a world away from Vietnam three high school seniors are playing hockey ... for their lives. The year is 1966. The place is Minnesota. Upon graduation they will either go to college or end up in Vietnam. Watch the story of these boys and those around them as their chances dwindle and the miles to war become fewer.

The Boys of Winter is a memory play about a Vietnam veteran reflecting on his youth in the Midwest of the 60’s while reconciling demons in the present. Clearly there is a parallel to returning veterans from Iraq and the tragic lessons of Vietnam, never learned and repeating themselves 40 years later.

The Boys of Winter delves into the lives of what could be any young man or woman compelled or forced to head out and “defend this nation” by fighting on foreign soil. If and when they return, it is a matter of debate as to whether these soldiers and their loved ones are actually able to move on in a positive manner from their combat duties. The Boys of Winter wrestles with the lessons learned from our nation’s Vietnam experience. The playwrights are keen on provoking current audiences into becoming more aware of those who are now returning in droves from Iraq and Afghanistan. Instant recall about our current engagement should not only be triggered when we’re driving under an overpass decorated with signs of “welcome home.”

The Boys of Winter world premiere is being directed by Bridget Kathleen O’Leary, whose father served in Vietnam, and features the performance work of Sarah Carlin, John Greiner-Ferris, Michael Jorgensen, John Oxenford, Elizabeth Rimar, and Zachary J. Winston.

Official Website: http://www.boysofwinterplay.com