Orlando Fringe 2026
Younger Us at Orlando Fringe 2026 Credit: Courtesy Photo

Younger Us is a slow-burn coming-of-age play that finds its power within themes of grief, humor, and the messy connection of complicated relationships after loss. The play takes place during a traditional celebration labeled as a memorial for the loss of a mutual friend, Peter (Sean McKinley), thrown by his boyfriend, Marc (Tony Haberman), who wants the night to go perfectly. The party is fully equipped, ironically, with beer pong, shared joints, and an extensive Spotify playlists of modern artists like Solange and Blood Orange (whom I love).

The ensemble’s blend of interesting characters gives this piece its own heartbeat, as they all bring their unique issues to the party. Mike (Tim Crighton) seems like your resident player but displays a surprising vulnerability, while tensions between Fran and Steven (Soph Rubin-Siegel and Kyle Huey) rise as they find a newfound common ground after a rough breakup. Stirring the pot of these conflicts while also finding a strange friendship in the mess are Lucy and Claire (Jenny Valiente and Amy Plenn), stereotypical stoner friends Kevin and Jen (Vladimir Boevers and Jazmine Steele) and eccentric Aunt Jackie (Jacoline Frank). Overall, it is a really talented cast directed by Josa Eve Alvarez and Jeremy Herbert. 

The play starts methodically, with its own world-building. Quickly, the audience sees the sharp humor and the emotional revelations stack upon the heavy themes of loss, guilt and identity. As the ghost of Peter lingers over Marc and all the interactions at the party, this play neatly casts a gentle, healing spirit over these young people’s discoveries in the face of loss and friendship.

Bacchus Theatre Collective (Altamonte Springs, FL) 
Brown Venue, Orlando Shakes
60 minutes; 18 & up
Tickets: $15

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This article appears in Orlando Fringe 2026.