"MASTER HAROLD"
…and the boys

by Athol Fugard
April 7 - May 8, 2005

On a rainy day in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, young Hally seeks comfort from Sam and Willie, who work as waiters in his family's diner. The black men, who raised Hally in lieu of his absentee father, attempt to divert him away from the troubles of teenage angst. But lurking below their playful chat and innocence lies the specter of poisonous bigotry, the hateful condition that plays master to them all.

Directed by C. Michael Wright

Featuring Jason Economus, Chiké Johnson, Michael A. Torrey

Sponsored by:
Lucy and Jack Rosenberg

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Milwaukee Arts Board with funds from the City of Milwaukee, and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin.

Educational sponsors:
The Einhorn Family Charitable Trust

Patron comments:
"The play left me speechless and desperate to hold someone. This is how I knew without doubt that I had a powerful theatrical experience--the most powerful in Milwaukee in quite some time. Your casting and
direction were first rank."
--Clare Zempel

"What a wonderful experience it was--an emotional and intense one that completely took me in to the extent that I thought there actually was someone on the other end of that phone. Thank you all for an unforgettable performance."
--Helen Mac Gregor

"I attended the 4:30 PM performance on Saturday evening. We--the entire audience--were so taken with the production as was evidenced by the automatic standing ovation. No hesitation from any member of the audience. I loved it!! I still can remember when Michael was Hally in the Rep's production. Michael, you did a phenomenal job in both. Milwaukee is lucky to have you; I can understand why you have chosen to align yourself with Next Act Theatre. I thought the actors were terrific and left the audience with many topics for discussion. Hally--what a struggle to be so young and faced with so many life wrenching challenges. Willie--so vulnerable and so fortunate to have Sam in his life. Sam--I am in awe that Sam has developed into the person he is...considering the restrictions and boundaries he lives within. What an inspiration to us all!!"
--Joyce Mielke

"Michael, Thank you so much for finally sharing Master Harold with us. Everything about it was excellent.The casting was perfect. The acting superb, as was your direction. Also the set was great. Athol Fugard has an amazing ability to convey complex situations
in a very straightforward manner, holding up a mirror to the audience that allows us to see our inner selves."
--Pat Groth