This Is Our Youth

Last night I had the pleasure of going to see This Is Our Youth at the Cort Theater.  The play, written by Kenneth Lonergan, is a revival directed by Tony award winner Anna D. Shapiro. Staring Michael Cera, Kieran Culkin, and fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson, the quick-wit comedy involves three Upper East Side teenage potheads in the 80’s.  The show works in two acts, chronicling one night into the next afternoon and the misadventures they endure during this time.  

I found it to be thoroughly entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny.  The writing is incredible and I, honestly, credit a lot of the laughs to the script.  I thought Kieran Culkin was great in the role of Dennis, the drug dealer friend of Warren’s (played by Michael Cera) who tries his best to be a good friend.  He took the part and produced a character that the audience hates, but also understands.  All of the characters are accessible to the audience, with parallels that can be detected throughout the show.  Plus there was a cool set, a simple one-bedroom apartment in New York, where the entire play takes place.  Despite the setting being in the past, the plot points are still very relevant today. 

{Kieran Culkin, Tavi Gevinson, and Michael Cera}

The show is in previews now, not officially playing until September 11^th, but it will be running through January 4^th.  I was able to get a balcony ticket for $35.00, which also happens to be the rush price.  **If you don’t know what rush is, when you are a “student” (18-25) you can “rush” a Broadway show, sometimes early in the morning, sometimes an hour before the show starts, and get the tickets that haven’t sold yet at a lower price (typically anywhere from $20-40, depending on the show.) Rush policies differ from show to show and not all shows offer it.  

My friends Bailey, Andrea, and I wanted to see it before we got too busy – and also before word got out about it.  The cheaper balcony seats were great, we had a view of everything and, though it would’ve been nice to be closer, we definitely got our money’s worth and more. 

{The stage from our seats – not bad for 35 bucks}

I loved the show overall, I found it to be very enjoyable and would highly recommend it if you are in the city and looking for something to see.  It is a good show for both guys and girls, there is some foul language and some of the subject matter is a bit crass - so it’s not a show for kids.  I didn’t love Michael Cera’s performance, I felt he was just being Michael Cera on stage.  But his performance did work, in a way, because his character, much like every character he plays, is awkward and strange.  And Tavi was fine, though she yelled the entire time and I am not sure how much training or experience she has had.  If you can get past this and focus on Culkin’s performance and Lonergan’s writing, I can guarantee you it will be a show that makes you laugh all night!

{Bailey, Andrea, and I before the show}

♥ Caro