Mac Blais as Dennis & Griff Bludworth as Warren.
(CINCINNATI, Nov. 18, 2015) Xavier University Theatre continues its 2015-16 season with Kenneth Lonergan’s THIS IS OUR YOUTH, directed by Ed Stern. Performances will take place in Xavier’s Gallagher Student Center Theater on Dec. 3-5 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2:00 p.m. matinee showing on Dec. 6.
THIS IS OUR YOUTH follows three wayward young people as they navigate 1982 New York, recreating their broken homes in both their dysfunctional friendships and their bungled attempts at finding love. THIS IS OUR YOUTH is a living snapshot of the moment when young people first find themselves on the threshold of adulthood, when they are far more sophisticated than their parents realize and far less effectual than they themselves can possibly imagine. THIS IS OUR YOUTH reminds audiences why The New York Times calls Kenneth Lonergan, arguably the most important American playwright of the last 20 years, and why Slate calls him the most potent dramatic voice of his generation.
The cast for THIS IS OUR YOUTH includes Mac Blais (Dennis), a junior theatre major from Lancaster, Ohio; Griff Bludworth (Warren), a senior theatre; Honors Classical Studies; Philosophy, Politics & the Public; and Philosophy quadruple major from Cincinnati, Ohio; and Tatum Hunter (Jessica), a senior English, theatre and economics triple major from Lebanon, Ohio.
Ed Stern makes his Xavier directing debut with THIS IS OUR YOUTH. From 1992-2012, Stern served as producing artistic director for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. During his tenure at the Playhouse, Mr. Stern led the theatre to two Tony Awards, one for Best Regional Theatre and one for a production of COMPANY, directed by John Doyle.
Stern is excited to be working on the production. “I have always wanted to direct THIS IS OUR YOUTH,” he says. “It examines the painful transition from youth to adulthood. Each character is vulnerable but puts on a veneer of strength by seeming adult. THIS IS OUR YOUTH is a play that combines drama and comedy in a masterful blend.”
“We could not be more thrilled to have Ed working with us on this production,” says Stephen Skiles, Xavier’s director of theatre. “It is a tremendous opportunity for our students to work with such an influential and brilliant director. Xavier Theatre is built on the idea of creating professional relationships and opportunities for our students. Ed Stern perfectly exemplifies this type of collaboration.”
Other members of the creative team for THIS IS OUR YOUTH include Joe Beumer (set and light design), Bruce Cromer (fight choreographer), Dee Anne Bryll (choreographer) and Kathleen Hotmer (costume designer). The stage manager is Nicole Santiago.
Tickets for THIS IS OUR YOUTH are available now through the Xavier University Theatre Box Office. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for students, as well as Xavier faculty and staff. To purchase tickets, visit www.xavier.edu/theatretickets or call 513-745-3939.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 