How long does a play have to be around to become a modern classic? Having debuted in the UK in 2012, headed stateside and now back in London with this latest run at Stratford East, Choir Boy must surely be up for consideration. Penned by lauded writer Tarell Alvin McCraney and directed here by Nancy Medina and co-director Tatenda Shamiso, this warm and wonderful play is a compelling coming-of-age tale that cleverly delves into deeper ideas around identity.
Choir Boy does what it says on the tin, centring around five student singers at the elite boys’ boarding school Charles R Drew Preparatory. It is a “prestigious Black institution for education” that is also devoutly Christian, so the boys’ hymn sheet consists mostly of beautiful gospel music. Newly elected choir leader Pharus is charming and talented, with ambition to match his impressive pipes. But his very first outing as leader is marred by fellow singer Bobby’s use of a homophobic slur. Bobby puts it down to routine hazing, but Pharus’ refusal to conform to orthodoxy proves to be an ongoing source of tension in the group.
It perhaps goes without saying that McCraney, owner of a crowded trophy shelf including an Academy Award for Moonlight, is a brilliant writer. In Choir Boy he strikes the perfect chord, effortlessly blending human drama with deeper themes and good humour. The play is moving and compelling, but also fantastically funny. The cast have wonderful comedic timing, none more so than Terique Jarrett. He is outstanding as Pharus, who is as cheeky and gutsy as he is vulnerable.
It is a true ensemble piece, though, with each character fully conceived and their interplay compellingly brought to life. It is through these exchanges that McCraney cleverly explores some complex ideas around identity. Pharus ruffles feathers not just with his queerness but his views on the history of Black spirituals and the importance of language. He chides Bobby for saying “slaves” rather than “enslaved people”, to which Bobby snaps back: “It is good enough for Barack and Michelle!”
Choir Boy is not a musical in the traditional sense. It does not have original songs, but it is punctuated by several Black gospel numbers and an enjoyable Boyz II Men interlude. The a cappella arrangements by Femi Temowo are simply stunning, and beautifully performed by the cast. It is hard to imagine anyone could be anything but completely bowled over by the music of Choir Boy.
If sometimes the plot feels like it is a little meandering in Act One, the drama ramps up after the interval before reaching a satisfying, if also heartrending, conclusion. In Choir Boy, McCraney, Medina and team have created a near-flawless show that is intelligent, endearing, delightful and above all just incredibly watchable.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
