Boys' Play

This is the story of two teenage friends who, while spending the night camping beside a lake, make a decision that will change their lives forever. Tom is a popular ex-football player who is flunking out of school and sees no hope for the future. Joe is an awkward, sheltered kid who has a true case of hero worship where Tom is concerned. As the evening progresses from fun and games into seriousness, Tom reveals he has developed his own religion based on some strange lights he sees coming from across the lake. Through talk of sex, school, sports, families and the telling of ghost stories, Tom tests Joe's allegiance to him and eventually asks Joe to help him leave his current life behind. This play examines teenage friendship, sexuality and teen suicide. The world premiere of Boys' Play took place at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, where it was part of the "Youth at Risk" program. The play later won two Los Angeles Dramalogue Awards.