Etcetera is about to get illegal this month with its newest play, "Jailbait."
The play, scheduled to open next week, addresses themes of sexuality and maturity, or lack thereof.
"Jailbait" is a comedy that follows two 15-year-old girls, Emmy and Claire, who want to play grown-up; and two 30-something men, Robert and Mark, who are just trying to stay young.
Set at a Boston nightclub, the two pairs meet up, bringing forth a wild night with sexual expectations, which makes the girls realize the very adult consequences of passing themselves off as adults.
"To an extent, that is what the play is about: what passes as being an adult and at what point you become an adult," said Christopher Johnson, artistic director of Etcetera, the late-night arm of Live Theatre Workshop. He has the role of Robert.
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Director Steve Wood wanted to bring this exciting play to life for the first time in Arizona. "Jailbait" premiered in 2009 in New York.
"I just read the script and thought that it was something everyone needs to see, because it's funny and sad and witty in different ways," Wood said.
Along with the story line, the similarities and differences in the characters' personalities make this play work well.
Mark and Emmy are the wilder characters of the bunch, driven by the many possibilities that await at a club. Both are looking for adventure.
Robert and Claire, on the other hand, are both dealing with personal issues - he is recovering from a breakup; she just lost her dad. They ultimately are dragged into the evening with few expectations.
"The cast is just incredible," Wood said.
"In the story line, there's never a dull moment. It's filled with this very heated romance and very witty one-liners. It also has suspense and drama," he said.
"Jailbait" is open to audiences 16 and older. Wood hopes it will take audiences on a bizarre and adventurous journey.
"The audience should come expecting to be surprised and to please bring their seat belts, because they're really in for a wild night," he said.
If you go
"Jailbait"
• Presented by: Etcetera at Live Theatre Workshop.
• Written by: Deirdre O'Connor.
• When: Opening night, 7:30 Thursday. Regular performances are 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through Aug. 20.
• Where: Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway.
• Tickets: $10.
• Reservations, information: 327-4242.
