I AND YOU
OCTOBER 9 - NOVEMBER 22, 2026
I AND YOU
By Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Michelle Aguillon
THE STORY
A homebound teen and an unexpected visitor clash over a Walt Whitman assignment that will lead them to a stunning epiphany. Caroline is sharp-witted, guarded, and sardonic as Anthony is athletic, sensitive, and popular, but as they debate ecstatic poetry, life and love, youth and mortality, they discover they are more connected than they may seem. A luminous play from America’s most-produced playwright Lauren Gunderson, I and You is a genuinely funny, deeply moving ode to all the unseen ways we are connected.
PRAISE FOR I AND YOU
“Sharp and funny. Gunderson taps into a buoyant spirit... the touching ‘barbaric yawp’ (Whitman’s phrase) of these two deeply engaging kids.” – Washington Post
“By the close, Gunderson has guided us toward a sublime transfiguration that encompasses Leaves of Grass, John Coltrane, Jerry Lee Lewis, space and time, bodies and spirits, death and rebirth.” – The New Yorker
“A validation of the human experience and of the triumph of life over death. Gunderson’s gift is the best thing a play can offer: we might be better people after seeing it.” – DC Theatre Scene
“The striking twists and turns along the progression of the rapid-paced work are astonishing, breathtaking, and mind-blowing.” – DC Metro Theater Arts
CALENDAR:
- Playing: Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 PM | Sundays at 3:00 PM (with exceptions for select performance times)
- Previews: Friday & Saturday, October 9 & 10, 7:30 PM, free for students and educators with advance purchase and valid school ID
- Press Opening: Sunday, October 11, 6:00 PM
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Preview performances are free for students and educators with advance reservation and a valid form of school ID! For details about how to claim your ticket(s), contact Learn@theUmbrellaArts.org.
Press Openings are for members of the press, yes, as well as subscribers, friends, family, the most passionate theater lovers, and ardent arts supporters. Join us in the lobby after the show for refreshments, including a beautiful celebration cake themed to the production.
KidCare is Umbrella Arts' program that invites caregivers to attend select performances while their child(ren) engage in production-inspired art activities on-site. It's better access to cultural events, plus a shared arts experience for families to talk about on the way home.
Thursday Nights Out: coming straight from work? Need an easy-to-plan date night? Add on a boxed dinner from Nosh and Concord Market for your Thursday evening performance. All boxes come with a sandwich or bowl, Deep River chips, fruit, and a small sweet from Concord Market ($30). A la carte beverage and concessions are also available.
- Bowl 1: Cobb Salad: Spring Mix, Avocado, Bacon, Bleu Cheese, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Haricots Verts, Tomato, and Red Onion (Gluten-free)
- Bowl 2: Mediterranean: Mixed Greens, Feta, Olives, Cucumber, Green Peppers, Oregano, and Pita Crisps (Vegetarian)
- Sandwich 1: Roast Beef, Provolone, Caramelized Onions, Tomato, and Horseradish Aioli
- Sandwich 2: Caprese Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze (Vegetarian)
I AND YOU is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service. www.ConcordTheatricals.com
