Dustin Hoffman’s arrival is heralded by hallelujahs at Boychoir’s debut

Dustin Hoffman is an avuncular guy. On the red carpet premiere of Boychoir on Friday at Roy Thomson Hall, we heard over and over what a great teacher the Oscar-winning Mr. Focker can be. The François Girard–directed drama follows a troubled orphan who flourishes under the tutelage of a demanding choirmaster (played by Dusty). How is 77-year-old Hoffman able to connect with actors a fraction of his age? Someone asked him if he’s still young at heart, and he said: “I hope not just at heart.” Brit comedian Eddie Izzard used the carpet for his own private story time. He talked about watching the Rob Ford murder-threat video on the set of Hannibal and singing “Amazing Grace” on the front porch of John Lennon’s childhood home in Liverpool. Josh Lucas, Glee’s Kevin McHale and the young lead, Garrett Wareing, all said they were stoked to work with Hoffman. Our hearts go out to Wareing’s four young castmates, the choirboys, who were asked to sing at basically every stop. They cranked out no fewer than eight hallelujah choruses (including one tailored to the name and call sign of a certain local radio show).