Content Advisory- The Guys

Rated PG – Parental Guidance Suggested

A collaborative fundraiser to benefit the Missoula Firefighters Benevolent Association on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, this powerful two-person, one-act staged reading is based on a true story. In the wake of that horrible day, New York City fire captain Nick has the impossible task of writing the eulogies for most of his men. Overwhelmed by his grief, he enlists the help of a former journalist, Joan. United through tragedy, two people who otherwise would never have met explore loss, hope, connection, and the importance of every person’s story.

There is also a 2002 film version of this story starring Sigourney Weaver and Anthony LaPaglia, though it has many differences from the play.

Trigger Warnings:

This play is based on real people and real events. It is a story about human connection and processing grief while remembering those we’ve lost. While no imagery or portrayal of the terrorism on September 11^th is shown, the characters navigate many difficult emotions as they recount those events, which may be triggering to some audience members.

The characters discuss difficult topics, such as death, funerals, terrorism, torture, survivor’s guilt, communal and devastating loss, etc. They also explore faith, hope, family, friendship, community, bravery, and many other things that balance the darkness with the light. And they tango!

Language:

There is little to no adult language to be concerned about in this show. The worst you’ll hear are a few phrases like “pain in the ass” or “screwing it up”.

Drugs & Alcohol:

Nothing but very bad coffee. There is one brief reference to some guys going out drinking.

Violence:

While there is no onstage violence in this show, the violence of the September 11^th attacks is a constant undercurrent of the story and the deaths of those in the towers are sometimes spoken about in visceral terms.

Sexual Content:

Nothing to report!