Plot points
▶ In Bennett’s recent hit, the unorthodox Hector battles to incite passion in his students, going against the grain of a privileged secondary school in 1980s England.
Updated 20:17, September the 21st, 2009
The rest is ‘History’
When ‘The History Boys’ opened on Broadway in 2006, Frank X bought a pair of tickets — a month apart
A huge fan of playwright Alan Bennett, X wanted to see the play twice with time to read it between performances.
The local acting legend didn’t expect he would one day play the lead role — Richard Griffiths, a white English actor of considerable girth portrayed Hector in the original — but perhaps the biggest surprise is that this marks his Arden debut. Although one of the most respected on the Philly scene, X confesses he doesn’t push hard for work. “I know actors who, as soon as we’re on a break from rehearsal, they’re calling their agent for the next audition,” says X. “And I admire that, but it’s just not me. I get focused on what I’m doing, and hopefully enjoying the experience.”
‘The History Boys’
Arden Theatre Co.
20 N. Second St.
Thursday through Nov. 1
$29-$48, 215-922-1122
www.ardentheatre.org