The play opens with Warren arriving at the apartment of Dennis, as Warren lays on him the both disturbing and exciting fact that he’s stolen a sack of cash from his father who he describes as “arguably the most dangerous lingerie manufacturer in the world.”  In an effort to return the money, before his father potentially comes after them, Dennis concocts a scheme to make a big drug sell plus sell off some treasured retro-toys and items, belonging to Warren, including a “rare” toaster oven that Warren claims are worth thousands.  The plan arises after Warren squanders some of his father’s money on an indulgent overnight stay at the Plaza hotel with Jessica, who he felt would only potentially sleep with him were she romanced in grandiose style.  His strategy works, but in a bittersweet meeting the following day, Jessica asks for Warren’s beloved possession– his grandfather’s baseball cap — and the resulting exchange is one of the most touching scenes in the play.

Lonergan has a way with biting, clever dialogue (for example — “These are the proceeds of my unhappy childhood”), and the actors deliver it with aplomb.

To see THIS IS OUR YOUTH is a study of a character study that is indeed worth examining, both for it’s entertainment value and depth.

ABOUT THE CAST

Michael Cera (Warren) starred in the films Superbad, Juno, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Year One, Paper Heart, Youth in Revolt, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Crystal Fairy, and Magic Magic. Michael played George-Michael Bluth on the FOX and subsequent Netflix series “Arrested Development,” and recently starred alongside John Hawkes, Sally Hawkins, and Catherine Keener in “How and Why,” a new Charlie Kaufman pilot for FX.