Put down the magazine and head over to Theatre II for Frat Boys, Mean Girls and 586 Other Reasons to Boycott Women’s Magazines
Four actresses present a collection of monologues concerning both sexes
By Elizabeth Daniels, contributing writer
Posted on February 22, 2007

The average woman’s life is nothing like that which is portrayed in magazines like Cosmopolitan. “Frat Boys, Mean Girls and 586 Other Reasons to Boycott Women’s Magazines,” written by Sharon Kowalsky, conveys events that affect every woman throughout her life. With only four actresses, the production is a collection of monologues, the piece touches on everything from “Cellulite Watchers” to “Animals that Should Exist.” 

But the play is not just for women — there is something for everyone in this performance. Kowalsky manages to use a female cast to show the whole spectrum of human life while avoiding moments that would make many men roll their eyes. Anyone can and definitely should enjoy this wonderfully written and acted production. Several extremely poignant moments meander throughout. The play culminates in the final monologue, which discusses the playwright’s similarities with her father. Neal Kowalsky, Sharon’s brother, directed “Frat Boys.” “I worked really hard on separating myself,” Neal said of directing the piece so closely linked to his and Sharon’s family. But identifying with the monologues is difficult not to do.

“I wanted to show a new form of theatrer — mix it up a little,” Neal said. Neal does this by using an interesting monologue format along with a unique set created by senior Vince Zangardi. 

But don’t go into the production believing that you will leave only with reasons not to trust women’s magazines. In fact, women’s magazines are not mentioned once. Instead, senior Mary Beth Walsh, junior Sade Namei, freshman Kristin Siegert and junior Kelly Anglin perform the emotional monologues beautifully. The actresses capture real-life moments and the events in the life of a woman. Sharon’s talent for writing makes “Frat Boys” easy to follow and often beautifully poetic, while remaining elegant and intelligent.

“Frat Boys, Mean Girls, and 586 Other Reasons to Boycott Women’s Magazines” runs through Saturday, with nightly performances at 8 p.m.  Tickets are on sale in Theatre II at 6 p.m. If you are nocturnal, catch the midnight showing on Friday.