Synopsis

“Box 27” This is a play that addresses the ever present issue of one’s life choice and the quest for self respect and integrity. The play centers around a career Master Sargent in the United States Marine Corps, his long time friend, and his friend’s son who is his lover. The entire play takes place at an all night poker game being held in the back room of a local bar and coffee house. The play opens with the closing hands of the poker game. Stephen, the son of a retired Colonel, Sargent Howard Kurtis, and two non commissioned Marines are wrapping up the game when tensions become evident. The two non commissioned officers leave. Left alone on stage, Stephen and Howard resume a long running argument about their life style as gay men serving in the Marine Corps. Stephen, a young Lieutenant has decided to come out of the closet and declare his sexual orientation. Howard pleads for him to change his mind. Before they can resolve this argument, the two non commissioned officers return with Sargent Wiggs, a retired black veteran, Maggie the owner of the establishment, and Stephen’s father, the Colonel. The Colonel and Howard are long time friends, dating back to the war in Vietnam. The poker game resumes with the tensions continuing to grow. Finally, after several comments about homosexuals and the service, Stephen admits to the room that he is homosexual. The second act continues with these events unfolding. The Colonel disowns his son telling him that he is a liar and traitor. After tempers and shock of this confession pass, the Colonel decides that Stephen is still his son, but that he can not stay in the Marines. In light of this event, the relation between Howard and Stephen comes to an end. In later moments, the Colonel and Howard are alone. The Colonel confronts Howard to own up to whatever information he knows about Stephen. Howard conceals his relationship with his friend’s son. The Colonel tells that he over heard a conversation between Stephen and Howard that lead him to believe that Howard was lying about his involvement. Howard is now forced to make a decision between giving his friend the truth or sticking to his falsehood. Howard decides to continue lying.