The History Boys: A Sold-out Hit

 

This was the official website to promote the 2006 Broadway hit, The History Boys. The information below is from the site's archived pages.

I attended the play after it was highly recommended by my fellow team members at TNG/Earthing, the well known SEO group in NYC. I agree with them that the non-traditional teacher who is preparing the lads for college reminds us all of the gurus I work for, Bob Sakayama and Rev Sale at TNG/E in the way they employ their unorthodox methods to teach complex ideas. These guys are not your typical authority figures by any means and like the teacher in this show they are responsible for our successes in this cutthroat realm of SEO. This is an amazing and inspiring theatrical experience and I highly recommend it not just as entertainment, but for a world view that will stay with you long after the show is over.

2006

The History Boys is about staff room rivalry, the anarchy of adolescence, and the purpose of education.

The best play of the season has landed on Broadway: Alan Bennett’s THE HISTORY BOYS.

A hugely successful, sold-out hit at the National Theatre of Great Britain, this brilliant comedy has just arrived here, featuring the inspired original British cast. And the New York critics have declared it an absolute winner.

A very funny and deeply moving play, THE HISTORY BOYS is about eight bright, funny students trying to get into college… and the year that influenced the rest of their lives. An unorthodox teacher (Stephen Campbell Moore) and his colleagues (Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour) at a British grammar school try to prepare gifted young charges for the upcoming Oxford and Cambridge entrance exams. The students absorb the facts and figures thrown at them by academia, and in the process, they also learn a little about life.

Awards

 

WINNER! 6 TONY AWARDS
Best Play
Best Performance by a Leading Actor, Richard Griffiths
Best Performance by a Featured Actress, Frances de la Tour
Best Direction, Nicholas Hytner
Best Scenic Design, Bob Crowley
Best Lighting Design, Mark Henderson

WINNER! 5 Drama Desk Awards 
Outstanding Play
Outstanding Actor in a Play, Richard Griffiths
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play, Samuel Barnett
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play, Frances de la Tour
Outstanding Director of a Play, Nicholas Hytner

WINNER! 4 Outer Critics Circle Awards 
Outstanding Broadway Play
Outstanding Director of a Play, Nicholas Hytner
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play, Richard Griffiths
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play, Frances de la Tour

WINNER! NY Drama Critics Circle Award 
Best Play of the 2005-2006 Broadway Season

WINNER! Drama League Award 
Source: Playbill.com
The History Boys received the 2006 Drama League Award for Distinguished Production of a Play.

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REVIEWS

"MADLY ENJOYABLE AND ENTHRALLING, with a seductive polish that New York audiences have seldom experienced of late. Alan Bennett's dialogue is AS SHIMMERING AND WARMING AS A FINE COGNAC. And EVERY MEMBER OF THE CAST STANDS OUT as an individual worthy of attention. PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE SHOULD FALL FOR THE CHARM OF 'THE HISTORY BOYS."

***

"Richard Griffiths is extraordinary in the role of his lifetime. And the terrific Francis de la Tour is perfect. The actors give the entire evening a credibility that is positively amazing. Hytner has directed with dazzling ease."

- Clive Barnes, New York Post

***

"BRILLIANT! A reminder of how ENTERTAINING, STIMULATING AND EXHILARATING THEATER CAN BE!"

- Howard Kissel, Daily News

***

"CRACKLING, MIRACULOUS THEATER. Moving and intellectually extravagant, Nicholas Hytner 's production is BRILLIANT. Richard Griffiths gives a performance of STAGGERING GRACE."

- Linda Winer, Newsday

***

"A THOUGHTFUL, COMPASSIONATE PLAY with a lively, tightly meshed crew of actors. Frances de la Tour is MARVELOUS. High school kids are likely to be absorbed as much as adults by the story. They even may learn a thing or two."

- Michael Sommers, The Star-Ledger

***

"A captivating, deeply satisfying work from the peerless Alan Bennett. Nicholas Hytner 's SUPERB production is alive with energy, comedy and wit. Richard Griffith 's finely wrought performance is ILLUMINATING. Frances de la Tour is SUBLIME."

- David Rooney, Variety

***

"'THE HISTORY BOYS' EARNS ALL A'S! BRACINGLY SMART. Alan Bennett has pulled off that rarest of feats, a comedy both devilishly entertaining and true to the heart. Richard Griffiths is delivering one of those remarkable performances that render actor and character indivisible. Frances de la Tour is SUPERB."

- Peter Marks, Washington Post

***

"GENIUS AT WORK! Smart, funny, touching and true, with an enormously gifted cast. IT IS THE PLAY YOU MUST SEE IF YOU SEE NOTHING ELSE ON BROADWAY THIS SPRING. A vibrant, non-stop dramatic package that won't soon leave your mind. IT IS THE SEASON'S ONLY ESSENTIAL PLAY!" 

- Jacques le Sourd, The Journal News

***

"AS WITTY, INTELLIGENT AND FUNNY AN EVENING OF THEATER AS YOU'RE LIKELY TO SEE ALL SEASON! IT'S A JOY!"

- Jeffrey Lyons, WNBC-TV

***

"GRIPPING AND FASCINATING. A funny, touching and eloquent play about the meaning of education. EXTRAORDINARILY BRIGHT AND COMPLETELY ENGAGING, managing the trick of connecting to the brain, the heart and the funny bone. In Nicholas Hytner's IMPECCABLE production, Richard Griffiths is SUPERB. And the delicious Frances de la Tour give THE DROLLEST PERFORMANCE YOU'LL EVER SEE!"

- Robert Feldberg, The Record


 

 

More Background on HistoryBoysOnBroadway.com

HistoryBoysOnBroadway.com was the official website dedicated to the 2006 Broadway production of The History Boys, the acclaimed play by Alan Bennett. Though the site is now defunct and accessible only through web archives, its role in the promotion and documentation of this celebrated theatrical event was significant. This article provides a detailed overview of the website’s background, its content and features, the critical and audience reception of the play it promoted, its cultural impact, and the broader legacy of both the production and its online presence, based exclusively on credible external sources.

The Play Behind the Website

The History Boys premiered at London’s National Theatre in 2004. Written by Alan Bennett and directed by Nicholas Hytner, the play quickly became a critical and commercial success. It tells the story of eight bright students at a British grammar school in the 1980s, their teachers, and the complex interplay of education, ambition, and personal growth as they prepare for university entrance exams. The play explores themes of pedagogy, sexuality, the value of knowledge, and the tension between learning for life versus learning for exams.

The original London cast, including Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour, and Stephen Campbell Moore, transferred with the production to Broadway, where it opened at the Broadhurst Theatre in April 2006. The arrival of this highly anticipated play on Broadway was a major event in the theater community, and HistoryBoysOnBroadway.com was launched to serve as its digital home.

Website Purpose and Features

HistoryBoysOnBroadway.com functioned as the official digital hub for the Broadway run of The History Boys. Its primary objectives were:

  • Promotion: The site provided information about showtimes, ticket purchasing, and special events.

  • Education: It offered background on the play’s themes, characters, and historical context, catering to students and educators.

  • Media and Press: The site aggregated reviews, press releases, award announcements, and multimedia content such as production photos and videos.

  • Audience Engagement: It featured interviews with cast and crew, behind-the-scenes insights, and resources for theatergoers.

The website’s design and content reflected the high production values of the play itself, aiming to attract both seasoned theater enthusiasts and newcomers.

Critical Reception of the Broadway Production

The Broadway incarnation of The History Boys was met with overwhelming critical acclaim. Major American critics praised the play’s wit, emotional depth, and the performances of its cast.

  • The New York Times described the play as “a highly articulate examination of academic game-playing,” lauding its blend of humor and poignancy.

  • Variety called it “a captivating, deeply satisfying work from the peerless Alan Bennett,” highlighting the energy and wit of Nicholas Hytner’s direction.

  • The Washington Post declared it “a comedy of ideas both devilishly entertaining and true to the heart,” emphasizing the play’s rare combination of intellect and emotional resonance.

The performances of Richard Griffiths as Hector and Frances de la Tour as Mrs. Lintott were singled out for particular praise, with Griffiths’ portrayal described as “extraordinary” and “illuminating” by multiple critics.

While most reviews were glowing, there were dissenting voices. For example, Clive Barnes of the New York Post found the play “hopelessly overblown, overhyped and overrated,” illustrating that even the most celebrated works can provoke debate within the critical community.

Awards and Honors

The Broadway production of The History Boys was a major contender during the 2006 awards season, and the website regularly updated visitors with news of its accolades:

  • Tony Awards: The play won six Tony Awards, including Best Play, Best Leading Actor (Richard Griffiths), Best Featured Actress (Frances de la Tour), Best Direction (Nicholas Hytner), Best Scenic Design (Bob Crowley), and Best Lighting Design (Mark Henderson).

  • Drama Desk Awards: It received five Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Play and acting honors for Griffiths, Barnett, and de la Tour.

  • Outer Critics Circle Awards: Four awards, including Outstanding Broadway Play and Outstanding Director.

  • New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award: Best Play of the 2005-2006 Broadway Season.

  • Drama League Award: Distinguished Production of a Play.

These honors cemented the production’s status as a theatrical landmark and were prominently featured on the website as a testament to its success.

Media Coverage and Press

The arrival of The History Boys on Broadway was widely covered by major media outlets:

  • Feature Articles: Publications such as The New York Times, Variety, and The Washington Post ran in-depth features on the play’s journey from London to New York, its cast, and the creative team.

  • Interviews: Cast members, especially Richard Griffiths and Frances de la Tour, were interviewed about their roles and the play’s themes, often discussing the differences between British and American theater audiences.

  • Cultural Analysis: Commentators explored the play’s relevance to contemporary debates about education, the role of teachers, and the pressures faced by students.

The website served as a clearinghouse for this coverage, summarizing and linking to reviews and articles to keep fans and potential theatergoers informed.

Audience and Demographics

The History Boys attracted a broad and diverse audience, both in the UK and on Broadway:

  • Theater Lovers: Fans of Alan Bennett and British theater flocked to the show, eager to see the original cast in action.

  • Students and Educators: The play’s focus on education, teaching styles, and the challenges of adolescence made it especially relevant to high school and college audiences, as well as teachers.

  • LGBTQ+ Community: The play’s nuanced depiction of sexuality, particularly through the character of Posner, resonated with LGBTQ+ viewers and contributed to ongoing conversations about representation in the arts.

The website catered to these groups by providing educational guides, discussion materials, and opportunities for audience engagement.

Notable Features and Examples

HistoryBoysOnBroadway.com was known for several distinctive features:

  • Exclusive Multimedia: The site offered galleries of production photos, video interviews with cast and crew, and behind-the-scenes footage.

  • Educational Resources: It included study guides and background information for teachers and students, reflecting the play’s popularity as a text for classroom discussion.

  • Press Archive: Visitors could access a curated archive of reviews, award announcements, and feature articles.

  • Cast and Crew Bios: Detailed biographies of the actors, director, playwright, and creative team helped audiences connect with the people behind the production.

These features made the website a valuable resource for anyone interested in the play, whether as a theatergoer, student, or scholar.

Cultural and Social Significance

The History Boys is widely regarded as one of the most important plays of the early 21st century, and the website played a key role in amplifying its impact:

  • Debate on Education: The play’s central question-should education be about acquiring knowledge for its own sake or preparing for exams and careers?-sparked lively debates in classrooms and editorial pages alike.

  • Representation: The candid treatment of adolescent sexuality and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters contributed to greater visibility and acceptance in mainstream theater.

  • Transatlantic Success: The play’s ability to resonate with both British and American audiences underscored the universality of its themes and the skill of its creative team.

The website documented and celebrated these achievements, helping to foster a community of fans and thinkers around the play.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Although HistoryBoysOnBroadway.com is no longer active, its legacy endures:

  • Digital Archive: Web archives preserve much of the site’s content, allowing future generations to access information about the production.

  • Educational Use: The play remains a staple of theater curricula, and the resources once available on the site continue to inform lesson plans and academic discussions.

  • Theatrical Influence: The success of The History Boys on Broadway, and the effective use of its website for promotion and engagement, set a standard for future theatrical productions.

The play’s continued popularity in revivals, adaptations, and academic study is a testament to the enduring appeal of both the work itself and the efforts made to promote it online.

 

HistoryBoysOnBroadway.com was more than just a promotional website; it was a comprehensive resource that documented, celebrated, and extended the reach of one of the most acclaimed plays of its era. Through its detailed content, multimedia features, and engagement with both critics and fans, the site played a vital role in the Broadway success of The History Boys. Its legacy lives on in the memories of theatergoers, the annals of theatrical history, and the ongoing conversations about education, identity, and the power of great storytelling.

 

HistoryBoysOnBroadway.com