Girls And Boys - A One-Woman Tour de Force at the Players’ Ring Theatre

PORTSMOUTH – Actress Constance Witman was driving to Vermont to visit her daughter listening to a podcast called “Smartless”. 
 
“They were interviewing Carey Mulligan and she mentioned a play she had done,” Witman said. “Nothing else was said about this play, so I had no idea what it entailed. But the title made me curious.” 
 
“After reading it, I literally said out loud, ‘What did I just read?’" Witman said.
 
“It was well-written and very intriguing. It touches on a few subjects that are continuous in this cycle of life and history. It struck a chord with me, and I felt I had to share it.” 
 
That is when she decided to take a leap of faith and pitch it to the Players’ Ring Theatre. The production will be on stage from April 10 through April 19.

From airport flirtation to family tragedy, this searing solo performance unravels a woman’s journey through charm, ambition, and a harrowing act of violence. With blistering humor and brutal honesty, “Girls And Boys” is a tour de force of storytelling and emotional depth. 

Featuring Witman in a powerhouse role, this is theatre at its raw, unforgettable best and a New Hampshire premiere.

Witman added that she hopes the audience takes from the piece whatever resonates with them, while also feeling challenged to reconsider the stigma surrounding mental health.
 
“For men especially, this topic is often overlooked or set aside, because they are men,” she said. “I hope it’s thought-provoking – something that lingers, that invites reflection or even a moment of realization.”
 
Ben Bagley was invited to direct the play.

“The main reason I decided to direct this show was Constance,” Bagley said. 
 
“We’ve been friends for about a decade now and we’ve worked together in a few different ways, but never like this. The idea of collaborating with her on such an intimate project was instantly really exciting. Her enthusiasm for this script was contagious. If it stirred this amount of passion in her, I thought it must be interesting and worthwhile. Then I took a look at the script and immediately understood her fascination with it. I said yes before I even finished it.” 

Bagley said the real draw was the opportunity to work with a like-minded artist and friend that he trusts and respects, in a setting where they could really focus on the detail and minutia of a great script. 
 
“Sometimes it can be taxing when there are so many other logistics to figure out,” Bagley added. 
 
“Most shows, you're dealing with a baseline process of blocking the actions of multiple characters in a specific setting, but this was a really cool opportunity to work beyond those typical processes. This show, with this one-on-one rehearsal process, is all ‘scalpel’ work.”

Bagley said half-way through rehearsals, they left “feeling exhilarated and fulfilled every day.” He gave a special shoutout to stage manager and sound engineer Niko McPherson.
 
“It’s been uniquely rewarding,” he said. “This play explores some really heavy themes of human psychology on a personal and sociological level – it’s fascinating to dive into. When you're told a story like this one, it really sticks with you.”
 
While this script isn’t based on a specific real-life event, it was written as a reaction to many similar stories that do actually happen, Bagley said.
 
“As with some of the best stories, you’ll notice a lot of reality here, and in this case it’s reality that can be really difficult to face. It’s important for us humans to be exposed to different human experiences from our own - even, and maybe especially, the hard ones,” he said. 

Curious about the process? The first Sunday matinee show (April 12) will be followed by an optional talkback with the director and performer.

(Content Warning: This production has graphic content including mentions of suicide, and may be triggering for some audience members.)

The Ring’s neighbor, The Puddle Dock restaurant, and its sister restaurant, Tour on Lafayette Road, are both offering a 10% discount on food to Players’ Ring patrons. Visit their websites to reserve, and present your ticket when you ask for your check.

The Players’ Ring is grateful for the support of its donors and sponsors. Patrons of the Arts: The Eppes-Jefferson Foundation, The Rosamond Thaxter Foundation, Tour Restaurant, The Puddle Dock Restaurant, RAKA Creative. Supporters: Ace Handyman Services, Business Cents, City of Portsmouth Recreation Department, Dowling HVAC, Port City Makerspace. Media Partners: Portsmouthnh.com and Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth. The Ring Works New Play Lab is supported by Kennebunk Savings Bank.
 
 
Go & Do
What: “Girls And Boys”, written by Dennis Kelly and directed by Ben Bagley
Where: The Players’ Ring Theatre, 105 Marcy Street, Portsmouth NH
               Phone: 603-436-8123
When: April 10 – 19. Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. 
Cost: General Admission: $32; Seniors (65+)/Students/Veterans/First Responders: $29
This play is included in the Ring’s subscription packages. Visit www.playersring.org for more information and to purchase tickets.