Friday, June 17, 2022, 6:15pm Castro
The Boys of Manchester are back in a third incarnation. The original 1999 series was set in Manchester, England; the American version also premiered in 1999, set in Pittsburgh (though filmed in Toronto). The 2022 version is set in New Orleans, with a vastly expanded take on “queer.” The characters are more diverse in nearly every aspect: race, gender identity, sexual identity, disabilities, and more.
There are some aspects of the original UK and the first US version that carry over: Mingus is clearly “the new Justin,” but with far more of a foundation than just “the new twink on the block.” Ruthie and Shar are “the new Mel and Lindsay,” but with changes that are far more than just skin deep. And of course, the nightclub at the center of the action has to be called Babylon. But there are also new characters with no parallel in the first two casts, like Julian, played by the wonderful Ryan O’Connell (Special), and the action diverges almost immediately from the previous plot points.
The originals were amazing for their time, but the new version breathes new life into the franchise and expands its horizons and hopefully its fan base. The writing is outstanding, with laughs and serious emotions spun together in an enchanting tale. Highly recommended, Must See.
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