THEATER SCENE: 'Good Boys and True' a must-see production

As "Good Boys and True," the new production at the Towle Theater, opens, a personable student leads a tour around the campus of Joseph's School for Boys, an exclusive prep school.

Inside this idyllic setting, a coach, Russell Shea (John Tebbens) has summoned Elizabeth Hardy (Suzanne Nyhan), a busy doctor, because a disturbing video has been found of a girl and a boy, and the boy resembles her son, Brandon (Eric Casady). Of course, when confronted, Brandon denies that it's him on the tape.

On one level, "Good Boys and True" is a drama about teen angst – Brandon and his friend Justin Simmons (Curtis Jackson) have their future – college roommates at Dartmouth – mapped out, but Brandon, at least, has a guilty secret. Just how far will this boy go to protect himself?

On another level, it's about the privileged. For instance, Brandon, whose father/grandfather went to St. Joe's /Dartmouth, gets in because he's a legacy, while Justin has to wait like the rest of us.

As things get ugly, the coach seems happy Brandon is suspended from school and off the football team. Just why did he notify Dartmouth about the scandal?

The girl on the video, Cheryl Moody (Madison McLean), who goes to public school and works in the food court at the mall, is flattered when Brandon asks her out, but when Elizabeth confronts her, she shows herself as a force to be reckoned with. Elizabeth uses her sister Maddy Emerson (Laura MacGregor) as a sounding board as she confronts unsettling truths about herself, her son, her marriage and her life.

Kudos to the cast and co–directors, Jeff Casey and Scot Kokandy, for a riveting performance. Due to its controversial material, "Good Boys and True" is not recommended for the young or the faint at heart. For everyone else, it's a must–see. "Good Boys and True" runs through May 22. FYI: (219) 937–8780 or TOWLETHEATER.ORG

'Cold Cold Feet'

Just in time for June and the wedding season, we have "Cold Cold Feet," a funny farce about a groom who gets cold feet. It's the night before the wedding and the groom and his brother, the best man, are due at the rehearsal.

In his Las Vegas hotel room, Benny (Joe Bianco) is stalling. While Carl (Michael Woods) rehearses the toast, Benny is trying, without much success, to write his vows. He's upset – his bachelor party was boring, the beer was in cans, the stripper didn't show up, the air conditioner is on the fritz, the wedding has an 80s theme, and so on.

Just as he's most depressed, the entertainment shows up – 24 hours late. Benny is thrilled to see April (Jennifer T. Grubb), June (Laura Rauh), and Monday (Florence Ann Romano). Even though they missed the party, the trio – and their bouncer, wrench–toting Harvey (Rob Grabowski) – still demands $600. As Benny tries to frolic with the entertainment, Carl tries to cover for him, and the lies grow more and more complicated.

"Cold Cold Feet" features a fast–paced plot, slamming doors, mistaken identities, physical humor and an absurd conclusion. "Cold Cold Feet" runs through June 5 at Stage773, 1225 W. Belmont – just a hop, skip and jump from Wrigley Field. FYI: (773) 327–5252 or STAGE773.ORG

The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. Reach her at laughingcat_98@yahoo.com.