THIS  IS  OUR  YOUTH  at the Cort Theatre

(Seen September  21,  2014)


Kenneth Lonergan's evocative play is another revival (from off-Broadway) kicking off the new season.  In his character studies of three upper-Westside Jewish New York teenagers, he portrays their struggle with drugs, sex, and liquor -- and with each other -- as they grow up in the Reagan era.

Michael Cera, Kieran Culkin, and Tavi Gevinson are all talented and energetic performers.  They bring a sense of realism and perception to their 
highly animated roles.

Occasionally director Anna D. Shapiro has her cast acting at such high pitch that they are on the verge of caricature --- but fortunately the performers and the playwright maintain a broad but healthy range of emotions.

It is a very enjoyable look at a past that remains contemporary.