The Boy
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"The Boy" is a musical inspired by the life and works of Irish poet, playwright and novelist, Brendan Behan. The show explores Behan's troubled relationship with his father, his rise to fame in the literary world, his love of alcohol, and his eventual death at the age of 41.
Set in Dublin in the 1940s and 1950s, the story follows the young Brendan as he struggles to find his place in the world. Despite his many talents, he is constantly at odds with his father, who disapproves of his rebellious ways and his decision to become a writer. Brendan's journey takes him from the streets of Dublin to the literary salons of London, where he becomes a celebrated figure in the world of literature.
Along the way, he meets a host of colorful characters, including fellow writers, actors, and musicians, as well as his wife, Beatrice, who becomes his muse and closest confidant. The show features a score that draws on traditional Irish music, as well as contemporary musical styles, and includes such memorable songs as "The Auld Triangle," "The Captains and the Kings," and "The Patriot Game."
"The Boy" is a moving tribute to one of Ireland's most beloved writers, and a celebration of the power of art to transcend the limitations of time and place.