This realistic play, set in the communal residence of four developmentally disabled adults, honors the human dignity of the developmentally disabled residents of the local community (and beyond). The plot is carried by Jack (the young case worker) who often speaks directly with the audience as he struggles with burn-out and works through his own sense of purpose in relation to the residents. Norman, who works in a doughnut shop and is unable to resist the lure of the sweet pastries, takes great pride in the huge bundle of keys that dangles from his waist; Lucien P. Smith has the mind of a five-year-old but imagines that he is able to read and comprehend the weighty books he lugs about; Arnold, the ringleader of the group, is a hyperactive, compulsive chatterer, who suffers from deep-seated insecurities and a persecution complex; while Barry, a brilliant schizophrenic who is devastated by the unfeeling rejection of his brutal father, fantasizes that he is a golf pro.

Despite the daily humor and at-times-chaotic scenes, the play works toward a powerfully poignant ending as we track the fate of the residents and Jack's own journey toward burnout from his intense work with "the boys next door." This production serves as an example of theater for positive social change!

In a year when Goshen College is focusing on our role as "global citizens," we are exploring what this means for our immediate neighbors (those who might be quite different from us, but living and working in the same community). Mennonite Disabilities Committee Goldenrod here in Goshen, IN, is celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing residential and daytime respite services for adults and children with developmental disabilities. Nationally, March is designated as Disabilities Awareness Month.

Performance dates & times: March 20, 27, 28 at 8:00 p.m. and March 22 & 29(ASL Interpreted) at 3:00 p.m. To purchase tickets call the Welcome Center at 574-535- 7566 or online at http://www.centerstageticketing.com/sites/goshencollege/
Convo credit available with ID at entrance.