Husson University Theatre To Stage Joe Calarco’s 17/18

Published on: April 16, 2024

Coming to the Black Box Theatre at Husson University is a tale of graduating high school students struggling with personal identity, growing up, growing apart and embarking on unknown next chapters. 

The show, 17/18 by Joe Calarco, will be presented on April 19, 20, and 21 at the Black Box Theatre at Husson University. It will be performed, directed and designed solely by students at Husson University.

“On the surface, the play 17/18 explores the complex transition between high school graduation and post-graduate plans, as friends enter different chapters of their lives,” said Emily Parent, student director of 17/18. “Underneath that story is a deeper theme — one where young people are coping with change, loss, and the shifting of interpersonal relationships.”

The play follows a group of high school friends who are planning a birthday party. Sloane, the birthday girl, is suffering from a recent breakup, and the thing she really wants is to be surrounded by her friends. But her friends are struggling with their own personal issues, things that could alter their views of each other. Everyone wants Sloane to have a fun party, but personal happiness is challenging when worrying about identity, relationships and your place in the world takes over. With graduation months away, the ten teenagers have to decide what is most important to them, and which parts of their lives are best left behind.

“The cast has done a phenomenal job bringing to life a beautiful and complex show relatable to people in any stage of life,” Parent said.

Parent, the director of the play, is a junior from Saint Albans, Vermont. The cast consists of students Collin Peterson, Caroline Beckwith, Tucker Whelan, Hannah Boddy, Makenzie Wade, Eliza Pitman, Juliet Stoneton, Erin Toomey, Kailyn Minoty and Jessica Sapozhnik. Members of the crew are Nex Staples, Kailyn Minoty, Connor Powell, Bailey Arruda, Gracie Demchak, Nayla Mane and Jané Kahn. 

Husson University Theater’s production of 17/18 will be staged on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m. as well as on Sunday, April 21 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gracie Black Box Theatre located on the second level of the Beardsley Meeting House. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door one hour prior to each performance. Seating is limited so patrons are advised to arrive early. Admission is $5.00 for the general public and free for Husson students. 

For more information, please visit the Husson University Theatre Instagram page.