Never Show Vulnerability, Except When Singing

Performers

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Although Kyle Beltran originated the role of David in the play’s 2013 world premiere, Eberhardt’s been playing the part ever since, including runs at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre and L.A.’s Geffen Playhouse. While the actor acknowledges that there have been dialogue changes and dramaturgical shifts during the years he’s been with the show, he’s glad his character has retained his air of mystery, and not just for the audience. “I think a good actor leaves open the possibility that there may be things that he does not know about his character,” Eberhardt says. “I know David but I’m still curious about him — especially since I’ve gotten older.”

As in his previous plays (The Brother/Sister Plays, Head of Passes, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, which served as the basis for the Oscar-winning movie Moonlight), McCraney has imbued Choir Boy‘s characters with a palpable dread of vulnerability. In this dog-eat-dog environment steeped in misguided tradition — students never snitch and queerness is reviled — the slightest moment of sweetness can be weaponized. That fear of seeming weak damages all the students, whether they realize it or not.

“Last night, I had to take a moment when I came on stage to think about how sad it is that anyone has to convince himself that what he feels is all right,” Eberhardt says. “People are always going through something, so do your best to check on the ones you care about.”

To read about a student’s experience at Choir Boy, check out this post on TDF’s sister site SEEN.

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TDF MEMBERS: At press time, discount tickets were available for Choir Boy. Go here to browse our current offers.

Top image: Jeremy Pope and Caleb Eberhardt in Choir Boy. Photos by Matthew Murphy.

Juan Michael Porter II