Urban Stages Presents MainLine Theatre’s New York Premiere of

GRATITUDE
By OREN SAFDIE

Featuring

JALEN FORD, JAKE BRYAN GUTHRIE, ERIK LARSSON, and ALINE SALLOOM

Directed by MARIA MILEAF
Scenic Design: NEIL PATEL
Costume Designer: LAURIE CHURBA
Lighting Designer: GREG MacPHERSON
Sound Design: BART FASBENDER
Stage Manager: FIONA MISIURA
Assistant Stage Manager: SKY TRETA
Press Rep: JOE TRENTACOSTA, JT PUBLIC RELATIONS

Urban Stages
259 West 30th Street (between Eighth and Seventh Avenues)
www.urbanstages.org
June 5th – 30th

Ah, to be young again. The bright and breezy teenage years of first loves, giddy friendships full of secrets and discoveries, and general silliness. Oren Safdie’s GRATITUDE will have you rethinking those fond memories in this play. Najaf (Aline Salloom) is a Muslim girl culturally betrothed to a husband and trying to squeeze in as many “romantic’ experiences as possible before her wedding date. Her classmates (Jalen Ford, Jake Bryan Guthrie) are more than happy to oblige but Najaf has her eye on class stud Drew (Erik Larsson). Her efforts to attract him to her are hilarious, poignant, and frightening (graphic sexual scenes throughout).

GRATITUDE takes Teenagedom to the bitter edge and over. You will not fall in love with any of these characters but there will be glimpses of salvation and hope in each. And you will be captivated by the unfolding of this perfect storm. Giving a familiar word an ominous tone, there’s gratitude and then there is GRATITUDE.

- Laurie Lawson -
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