Minnesota Fringe Festival 2010

Infatuation, trust and affection turn to jealousy, anger and secret cell-phone photos in this riveting, thought-provoking, play that explores the hidden world of aggression and violence in teen dating.

"dont u luv me?" is the story of a sophomore girl, named Angela, who begins to date a senior, named C.J.: the dreamiest guy in school. Looks, however, can be deceiving. What begins as welcome attention soon grows into jealous, controlling behavior. C.J. tells Angela how she should dress and whom she can be with. His controlling behavior, causes Angela's girlfriends to exclude her from their lives. Pressured by C.J. to be with him constantly, Angela begins to lie to her mother about her whereabouts and quickly finds herself in over her head. As the relationship spirals dangerously downward C.J. uses e-mail, texting, his cell phone, and an intimate photo of Angela, to exert his control over her. Ultimately the show is a wake up call that encourages young men and women to make choices that result in healthy relationships. It also gives adults an eye-opening glimpse into modern teen life. "dont u luv me?" was written by Linda Daugherty, in 2009, and includes an eclectic soundtrack and text messages that are projected on a screen behind the actors.

Craig Bennett
Role: Duffy

Samuel Card
Role: C.J.

Tyler David
Role: Brad

Kyle Day
Role: Sam

Audra Giachino
Role: Candice/Jen

Tad Klenske
Role: Brad

Ben Marks
Role: Sam

Kate McGuire
Role: Angela/Erika

Tiffany Roussel
Role: Sara

Hannah Simon
Role: Erika/Angela

Ellen Wallingford
Role: Sara

Sarah Wallingford
Role: Jen/Candice

Greg Holt
Role: Director

User reviews

Parents are you WATCHING?
by John Lameros Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A deliberate, provacative play for all who have experienced abuse in a relatinship. These teens are brave in bringing this to the forefront! We all know it's there - grasp this and share it.

Not For Me, But I Should Have Known That
by Mark Long Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I'm given the show 4 Kitties (instead of 2) since it was my own fault for thinking I might want to care about teenagers' lives. It turns out I don't.
Since I don't have any direct stake in today's kids. I'm not in the demographic for this show.

If you are a parent, teenager or pre-teen this is your show, and you almost will certainly like it. The show is a little clunky in some spots with too much texting and too much music. But, shame on you if you haven't talked to your kid about dating, over-possessiveness and abuse.

Makes you sweat!
by BH Jumering Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Dating violence is hard to watch ~ yet these teens hold nothing back in bringing a great message and tense moments to life. Loved it and recommend all audiences see this one! Applauds to the director for choosing such a difficult play ~ it hits the mark .... and makes you sweat.

Fantastic!
by Katie Mardis Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I went to this show expecting a drama, which it was, but there were unexpected and welcome moments of humor, too. The actors are all captivating and delivered their message quite well. The play stands on its own, but is particularly good to see for anyone -- parents, friends, teens -- looking for insight into recognizing and talking about potentially unhealthy relationships. Really well done!

Acting Talent Abounds!
by Bennett Wertsed Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A message and show for every venue ~ the acting talent shines with Angela and CJ expending every emotion with riveting clarity. Edge of seat drama and electricity. The background technology enhances the wonderful acting. Recommended for all audiences!

Good show, well done.
by dmn mn Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is a well-told, well-acted production with a purpose. It should be seen by any teen--and their parents!--that are looking for relevant, worthwhile Fringe shows.

Superb!
by Roberta Machioni Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show will appeal to any person who has been in a relationship. Strong, powerful acting by all characters especially the two leads. Emotions run high and the acting was very real. A must see for all Fringe. Refreshing to see such young talent!

This show is a must see!
by Nate Wissink Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This group of young actors took on a show that is tough,very tough, and they did it perfectly! I felt the intensity from each of these actors and could tell that they care about the message they are sending. This show is worth seeing!

Excellent!
by Ally Anderson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show could not have been done any better! Props to all the actors (especially the leads!) Very dramatic, and very tough to do. I was so impressed by the work of these young actors! This show must be seen by all fringe-goers! SPECTACULAR

Still Shooken Up
by John Masonson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I saw this show Friday Night and it was the first Fringe show I would see this year, and is still the best I have seen so far! I must say that not only is the story wonderful, and the message powerful, but the acting is amazing! Who would have guuessed that teenagers could have as much talent as these young actors have! First- the leading lady (angela) was performed wonderfully, completely awe-inspiring! I had tears in my eyes, I truly felt for her. The leading man (CJ) was so terrifying (as he is supposed to be), and it was perfect! I was able to see and understand his character and his background, and I am still shaky from it! Not only these two but the "better couple" in the show was perfomed so adorably that it contrasted so well with the abusive relationship! I think that all of these youth actors will have bright futures, they are each wonderfully talented!
Witht that note I must say thank you for tackling such a tough show and a tough topic! A definite must see, tremendous!!!

Powerful Relationship Drama
by Dean Kloker Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Outstanding performance by teens about teens, but relevant to all about how relationships can go wrong. Recommended for parents.

Such an important show!!!
by Elijah Kloker Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I taught a dating violence prevention curriculum to youth as part of one of my social work internships. I think these youth should be the ones teaching their peers in schools, not people like me, because they so clearly understand the content of the issue. In my experience the best kind of education youth can get is from each other and I am so excited these youth are doing that through performance. I think everyone who has teenagers, works with teenagers or is a teenager should see this show! It explores a bi g issue that is not looked at enough and it is done in an interesting and comprehensive matter. Thank you Parabola Youth Theatre for being brave enough to explore such a tough issue, your performance was amazing and I could tell you all care, which could change lives! People really don’t know how bad things can get, and maybe someone will see your show and see what reality can look like through your performance and then maybe not have to live it in their personal lives because you helped them learn what warning signs to look for.

powerful, moving
by Monica Nicol Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
intense, powerful performance with an awesome group of teenage actors! great use of technology. great show for teenagers to adult. must see!!

Powerful message - must see!
by Bob Schuester Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
These teens present a power packed message with great techno. Great acting talent ~ thanks for sharing. A must see!

So intense!
by Tony Webster Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This was a great show, and everyone in it was quite powerful, especially the leads. And the show had a great message about teen dating and violence, ending the show with some interesting (and scary) statistics about violence. It's a must see!

Must See
by Gina Greene Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Wow! Great job! A group of teens talk to us with lots of emotion in a story format about dating violence. Powerful! Nice use of technology. You will want to come see this one!