Four stars
All Alike Productions; Directed by Matthew Cunningham;
Wheeler Arts Center; July 24-27

Director Matthew Cunningham’s vision for this show screamed out for a large-stage production. His dynamic blocking and inventive lighting (especially in the Wheeler black box) needed the larger setting of a more traditional theater to really make the show into what it has the potential to be. As it was presented, it was still rather amazing. The story about two boys in love who are in a Catholic boarding high school is only trite if you have forgotten what it’s like to be that age — then add on the anguish of a stifling religious atmosphere and the confusion of confronting your own sexuality. The actors were miked, which created sound issues with songs — and was really unnecessary in such a small space — and some voices were more posh than others, but the emotion and energy of the large cast made up for it. Each of the 15 actors was 110 percent into the show. Quick highlights include leads Justin Ivan Brown and Brian Benson, as well as April Armstrong and Kagiso Alicia Paynter. This Indiana premiere, with some really great songs and lines, was a fantastic start for a new, young theater company. Bravo! www.allalike.org.