Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play with music, Choir Boy, comes into London following an acclaimed run at Bristol Old Vic in 2023, itself a revival of the 2012 Royal Court premiere.
Pharus (Terique Jarrett, returning from Bristol) is a gifted singer at Drew Prep School for Boys, and he’s been named the choir lead for the year. He’s a young, Black, queer man trying to find a place to belong.
Choir Boy has an all-male cast, all Black bar one, who returns as a visiting teacher. The other students are Bobby, there on legacy rather than merit; David, who wants to be a minister; Junior, not that clever but blessed with a great voice; and AJ, who shares a room with Pharus.
Moving through topics from friendship to race, sexuality to religion, and identity, Choir Boy uses the integration of a capella gospel hymns and spirituals to enhance its story. The music is glorious throughout.
The difficulties of navigating becoming and being a man are nothing new – it’s a well-trodden path from The History Boys to more adult-oriented versions like For Black Boys …
Where Choir Boy shines is in its embrace of silent moments of quiet movement, when conflict or choir are not in play. The set and costumes, by Max Johns, offer a sense of occasion and intimacy as required.
There is joy in this play, but moments that pull you up short, too. The compassionate nature of the headmaster (Daon Broni) contrasts with the peevish nature of his nephew, Bobby (Rabi Kondé).
AJ (Freddie MacBruce) and the devotedly religious David (Michael Ahomka-Lindsay) are interesting characters who are on the periphery but crucial to Pharus’s narrative.
And Mr Pendleton (Martin Turner) offers another voice, representing the link between the school and the world outside. He is there to open the door just a little.
Choir Boy, now basking in the glow of Oscar-winning film Moonlight – also written by McCraney – offers potent reflections on prejudice, privilege, pride, and passion. Jarrett’s Pharus is funny, cheeky, and deeply vulnerable.
I did wonder about the significance of the name Pharus. Perhaps, as ‘pharos’, he is a beacon of light to stand out to others. It also suggests ‘phallus’ and the burgeoning sexuality of boys of all persuasions. But maybe I’m overreaching.
Nancy Medina’s production is already highly acclaimed, and I’m not surprised. It occasionally leads us down a dead end, but the chemistry and closeness that are obvious in the cast keep us invested, whether in choir practice or in the showers.
I’m giving this 3.5 stars.
Choir Boy continues at Stratford East until 25 Apr – tickets here.
Photo credit: Mark Senior