Theatre Review by David Marlowe > Even in preview Theatre Off Broadway’s
The History Boys could be seen to be one of The Theatre Group’s biggest triumphs.

Director Sam Wood has done a great job of casting.

Steven Tangedal’s scenic and lighting designs are superb.

Rob Riney’s Posner is very good. His superb a capella voice is used to fine effect at several points in the show.

Sean Mellott is brilliant in the role of Dakin.

A new face on the Denver boards, Taylor Rascher (Scripps) gives reason to watch for his name in future programs.

Gwen Harris does a good job of acting in the role of Mrs. Lintott.

Roger Winn’s Head Master is an intentionally stuffy conservative academic whose concern about the opinions of others regarding him and the school lead him down the traditional garden path to normalcy. His hen-pecked existence is ultimately what leads to Hector’s demise.

Steven Maestas is Hector, a teacher who is basically an eccentric non-conformist. He is an individualist who teaches through play. His worldview is that History is Henry the Eighth over and over again. In other words, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” whether in government, big business or Hollywoood. This is, he believes, the human condition. The only antidote? Freedom to play. His legacy is that one may learn by playing at life and expressing oneself through joy much more effectively than learning rote requirements for a test. Hector is saying stop taking yourself so damned seriously. Live and enjoy life … and then “pass it on.”

David Russell ascends to a new level of theatre art with his portrayal of the ‘by the book ‘ teacher with the traditional stance. His character’s inability to feel is brilliantly out-pictured in Russell’s understated and internalized portrayal. On the surface “The History Boys” is about a group of college prep high school boys who are wishing to be accepted in the prestigious halls of the fashionable high-end colleges in Britain.

But there is so much more in this rich- and richly realized production.
The Theatre Group has a true winner in their production of this Tony winning play.
Not to be missed.