THE STORY: Told in a series of fast-paced, sharply etched scenes, the play traces the misadventures of three former college buddies now seeking to make their way in the big city—and with various women of their acquaintance. There is the cynical Jack, who is already married and a father, but is not above pursuing daytime adulteries while babysitting in the park; the innocent, vulnerable Phil, who grows weary of not being taken seriously and concludes that being unhappy is the way things are supposed to be; and the handsome, amoral Don, who risks a solid relationship with his girlfriend by sleeping with another, simply to see if he “could get away with it.” Moving along briskly, with its mood of satirical humor brilliantly sustained, the play dissects and anatomizes the male narcissism—and protracted adolescence—which characterizes its protagonists and, in the end, makes it hilariously clear that it is actually the women who possess the qualities of “manhood” and maturity which their deluded lovers so desperately lay claim to.
A bitingly funny postmodern comedy of manners, which follows the fortunes of a group of urban male “yuppies” as they attempt to come to terms with life.
“Howard Korder’s BOYS’ LIFE puts sexual insecurity among under-30 males under the comic microscope and the result is a satisfying and thoughtful work by a fresh playwriting voice.” —Variety.
“…BOYS’ LIFE is the most balanced and intelligent comment on the battle of the sexes I’ve seen in a long time…” —The New Yorker.
“…it makes Howard Korder a presence to take seriously in the theater.” —Village Voice.
“BOYS’ LIFE is the freshest thing I’ve seen in ages.” —New York Daily News.
