Fighting back against the bullying of gay teens is a hot topic these days from story arcs on “Glee” to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” foundation and the celebrity-supported “It Gets Better” internet initiative.
But last weekend the Boston Children’s Theatre (BCT) started waging the battle on a whole new front when it became the first children’s theater in the country to produce the play “Reflections of a Rock Lobster” about a gay teenager and his struggles to preserve his civil rights in the wake of bullying, prejudice and intolerance.
The world premiere production is based on the 1981 memoir of Rhode Island teen Aaron Fricke, who made news when he successfully sued Cumberland High School to allow him to take his boyfriend as his date to the prom. (The title of the autobiography ,“Reflections of a Rock Lobster: A Story of Growing Up Gay,” references the infectious B-52 hit “Rock Lobster” with its zany Lewis Carroll-type lyrics.)
Being a gay teen back in 1980, Fricke was subjected daily to violence and rejection–leaving him feeling dejected and suicidal. His lawsuit showed his determination to stand up for his personal and civil rights. His victory in court helped pave the way for legions of gay and lesbian students.
Currently living in San Francisco, Fricke worked closely on the production.
“I am thrilled that a new generation of young people is being introduced to my story,” said Fricke. “To be honest, it’s not really my story, it’s everyone’s story. I think everyone will be able to relate to what I experienced. The fact that bullying and prejudice still exist today in our society, makes this play even more relevant and powerful.”
BCT Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark, who adapted the book for the stage with and directed the production, was moved by the strong response to the show’s premiere.
“Opening night was the culmination of years of work, involving so many dedicated and talented people,” said Clark. “To feel the energy in the sold out theater and to see the audience on its feet will be something I will never forget. Everyone there had been touched by this piece in some way. One patron said to me that ‘Reflection of a Rock Lobster’ needs to be seen by every high school student in this country. It made me extraordinarily proud.”
Mayor Thomas M. Menino is also encouraging everyone to experience this ground-breaking production.
“I applaud Boston Children’s Theatre for producing a world premiere play that addresses issues that have such a profound impact on our community,” said Mayor Menino. “Bullying, prejudice and anti-gay sentiments cannot be tolerated in our schools or in our society. ‘Reflections of a Rock Lobster’ teaches us all the importance of acceptance and tolerance in an entertaining, creative and powerful way.”
Remaining performances at the Wimberly Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts are on March 9, 10 and 11. Tickets are $35 and available through bostonchildrenstheatre.org or the BCT Box Office at 617-424-6634, x222. Because “Rock Lobster” contains mature subject matter and content, BCT recommends parental discretion.
