This is Our Youth - Chicago

[BroadwayBlog987]

Posted: 6/11/14 at 1:33pm

First preview was last night in Chicago. Anyone get the chance to see it?

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 6/11/14 at 1:35pm

I won’t be seeing this until mid-July, but I will report back when I do! I would also love to hear some early reports.

[AwesomeDanny]

Posted: 6/11/14 at 1:50pm

I'll be there tonight! And I'll be making a return trip near the end of the run.

[AwesomeDanny]

Posted: 6/12/14 at 4:49am

I thought tonight's performance was simply wonderful! However, many of my companions disagreed with me. I will say that their problems were issues with the play itself, not with the production. The three of them fit marvelously in their roles (especially Michael Cera). The play was hilarious, provocative, and at times, touching as well. My only real criticism is that they stepped on a few laugh lines, and they need to work on projection (there are no microphones, and it's being done in an alley space), but this never became a huge problem, and I'm sure it's something that will remedy itself very soon. I'm really excited to see where the cast is when I come back next month!

[inception]

Posted: 6/12/14 at 8:18pm

I wonder how long is the plays running time? If I get an 8pm Saturday show in the fall will I be able to make the 10pm Hedwig? Thanks

[AwesomeDanny]

Posted: 6/12/14 at 9:36pm

It ran two hours and twenty minutes last night.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/13/14 at 12:52am

What does an alley space mean?

[jon5202]

Posted: 6/13/14 at 1:06am

(Alley space) means that the stage is in the center of the room and seating is placed on opposite sides therefore the stage is like a center alleyway. This is Our Youth is playing in the Upstairs (black box) Theatre at Steppenwolf. They often use this configuration.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/13/14 at 2:30pm

Oh gotcha. I think I've heard of that as a runway? Like audience on both sides? Sucks they won't be able to replicate that on Broadway. That sounds cool.

[jon5202]

Posted: 6/13/14 at 4:27pm

Yes. That is also known as a runway configuration.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/13/14 at 6:49pm

Seems odd to that, and then have to reblock everything for the Broadway space.

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 6/14/14 at 1:41am

Throughly impressed with this play. Thought the actors were amazing and gave fully fleshed out performances that were nuanced and full of vulnerability. The direction was so tight and the energy of the actors so precise that I'm surprised it was their first week of previews.

I'm assuming that' they'll have to change the show when it moves to Broadway to accommodate a larger stage.

One of the many many strengths of this production is the intimacy provided by the theater but I'm confident that when this transfers, they're will be equally enticing direction to accommodate that stage

This is a must see

[jon5202]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 8:27am

Chris Jones (Chicago Tribune) very long review:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/reviews/chi-this-is-our-youth-review,0,154535.column

Updated On: 6/19/14 at 08:27 AM

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 3:39pm

I disagree with the critic on this. Amazing performances from all three.

[jon5202]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 12:48pm

Additional reviews:

http://www.theatreinchicago.com/this-is-our-youth/reviews/6987/

[AC126748]

Posted: 6/22/14 at 9:25am

Writing from Chicago, where I saw this production yesterday. I was very impressed. First off, this is perhaps the best use of an alley configuration I've ever seen. Kind of surprising that they would choose to use such a configuration when the Broadway production will be a traditional proscenium, but I'm glad I was able to see this perspective. The three performances are all terrific, with Kieran Culkin being a particular standout to me. I think Tavi Gevinson will surprise a lot of people. She's very comfortable on stage, despite having what amounts to little professional acting experience (as far as I can tell, one film--ENOUGH SAID--and one episode of PARENTHOOD). I would disagree with the reviews that suggested Michael Cera is a weak link--I thought he was just fine. I think this could do really well in New York with the right marketing.