FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2007

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724.738.2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU Theatre readies ‘This is Our Youth’ for November opening

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.  –  Kenneth Lonergan’s “This is Our Youth,” a two-act serial comedy/drama examining the lives of three young people in New York’s Upper West Side, will be presented as the second show in Slippery Rock University’s theatre department series. The show runs Nov. 14-18.

            The adult themed play is set in 1982. The work centers on two friends: 21-year-old drug-dealing Dennis, (played by Nick Gligor of Sharon) whose parents pay for his rent, and dejected, 19-year-old Warren, (played by Zach Nading of East Brady) who has just stolen $15,000 from his abusive, lingerie tycoon father. 

            Complicating the plot is Jessica (played by Andrea Carlin of Montrose), an anxiously insightful young woman and Warren’s love interest.

            Lonergan’s work centers on the efforts of the two men to return the stolen cash. In the process, he presents an acerbic look at the generation and its ironic struggle to both resist and to attain adulthood. 

            Deanna Brookens, a senior theatre major from Erie, directs, with Gordon Phetteplace, associate professor of theatre, serving as scenic and lighting designer. SRU’s John Pivetz is technical director, and Laura Smiley, assistant professor of theatre, is the faculty supervisor. 

            The design/technical crew includes Kelly McBane of Pittsburgh, who is the costume and makeup designer; Aaron Thurston of Homer City, the properties master; Andrew G. Allison of Georgetown, the sound designer; and Marilen Ilagan, the stage manager. Joel Magill of New Castle is the assistant stage manager.

            Curtains in Miller Auditorium are at 8 p.m. Nov. 14-17 and 2 p.m. Nov. 18. Tickets, $5 for SRU students and $10 for the general public, will be available beginning Nov. 1 from the Miller Auditorium Box Office. Box office hours are 9:30-11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 1-2 p.m. weekdays. Reservations may be made by calling 724.738.2645.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

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