Powerful performances highlight SCT play

Three powerful performances highlight the Strongsville Community Theatre production of "The Boys Next Door."

The play centers around four mentally challenged men -- Arnold, Norman, Lucien and Barry -- who live together in a group home and how they exist in a world that could be very cruel to them.

Kivin Bauzo is outstanding as Lucien P. Smith. From the first time you meet Lucien on stage, as a proud library card member to his last scene, Bauzo gives a riveting performance. One of his scenes in Act II has Lucien breaking out of his mentally challenged character to address the audience with his inner thoughts. It is an extremely powerful scene.

Hopefully, this will be his first of many performances in this area.

Not to be outdone is Jason Mravec as Norman, a resident who recently began working at a doughnut shop and has gained 17 pounds eating all of the discarded products. Mravec provides comedy show as he attempts to romance a young woman who is also mentally challenged.

Matthew Shanafelt as Arnold Wiggins, the third resident in the home, gives a whirlwind performance as the young man who can't make up his mind and who obsesses about little everyday things. The energy that Shanafelt provides is non-stop.

The performances of Bauzo, Mravec and Shanafelt are touching, funny and powerful. They could have sustained the entire play, but are supported by others.

Not to be overlooked are Ray Caspio as the fourth resident, Barry, and Ted Larsen as Barry's disappointed and violent father. Their scene together is very tense, and both were up to the challenge.

As Norman's love interest, Sheila, Annie Hickey provides several nice moments. She is thoughtful and amusing.

The energetic cast is rounded out by Michael Columbro as Jack, and Kevenn T. Smith and Debbie Lenarz, who each portray several characters....