'This is Our Youth' to be staged in K-State's Purple Masque Theater

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Source: Christopher Scott, 402-469-1249, ctscott@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Christopher Scott

Monday, February 19, 2007

'THIS IS OUR YOUTH' TO BE STAGED IN K-STATE'S PURPLE MASQUE THEATER

MANHATTAN -- The Kansas State University Theater production of the comedy "This is Our Youth," by Kenneth Lonergan, will be presented at 8 p.m. Feb. 22-24 in East Stadium's Purple Masque Theater.

The production is directed by Christopher Scott, a K-State graduate student in theater, Omaha, Neb. Scott also is serving as the sound designer of the play, which is being presented as part of his work toward his master's degree.

Tickets for the play cost $4 for students and children, and $7 for adults. Tickets are available at the McCain Auditorium box office, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and at the Little Theatre box office in the K-State Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. weekdays. They also can be ordered by phone at 785-532-6428.

The play revolves around three young, disaffected friends from New York's Upper West Side. Warren has stolen thousands of dollars from his semi-gangster father and turns to his friend and drug dealer, Dennis. The two come up with a plan to sell drugs and/or Warren's collection of classic toys to recoup the portion of his father's money that Warren spent. The plan doesn't work as Warren and Dennis are waylaid trying to impress women, get lowballed on the sale of the toys and a friend dies.

Scott said the play ends with revelations about friendships and about relationships with parents.

"Written in 1992 and set in 1982, Lonergan's play still speaks resoundingly to contemporary audiences," Scott said. "At the end of the play, Lonergan provides the audience with one simple answer: The only thing that matters is people — not money, not houses, not drugs, not cool music, not packs of cigarettes bummed."

Cast and crew for the production and their roles include:

Liz Wilson, sophomore in theater, Burr Oak, costume designer; Zac Ralston, junior in speech, Great Bend, Warren; Ryan Bruce, senior in apparel marketing and design, Leawood, Dennis; Katie Meadows, graduate student in theater, Manhattan, lighting design; and Laura Koger, sophomore in theater, Topeka, Jessica.

From out-of-state: Erin Hartnett, junior in theater, Lee's Summit, Mo., scenery designer.