Ranked by the International Thespian Society as one of its members' most frequently produced short plays and the most honored of Jerome McDonough's many acclaimed scripts, Juvie has been produced by the full spectrum of theatre—professional, community, university and college, high school, junior high, children's theatre and for civic awareness programs. As each young suspect is brought to the juvenile detention center, he/she acts out the crime and his/her feelings while and after committing the crime.

Shelly O'Day's review of the Northside Theatre Co.'s production summarizes the plot: "Set in a juvenile detention center, Juvie depicts the life of kids that are scared, lonely and locked up. Some are drug offenders, some have killed and some are just misfits...Although the set never changes, the 'juvies' venture out of their cells to tell why and how they were caught. The barren cell and lack of props are effective and in keeping with each character's desolation."—San Jose, Calif., Spartan Daily.

The English Journal called McDonough the Father of Young Adult Drama because he was among the first to tackle the problems facing youth today in a straightforward, effective manner without profanity and obscenity. Juvie was the most produced play by National Thespian Society members at one time and McDonough's Addict and Dolls later joined Juvie in the Top Ten list. Since McDonough's death in 1999, we continue to get requests for biographical information from students who want to write an essay on the positive influence McDonough's plays have had on their lives.

One act. The playbook suggests cuts for shortening. Set, Juvenile Detention holding cells; Time, today.

"The problems presented in the script are universal...a strong sense of lives out of control."—Dallas Theater Center program note. "Juvie should be required viewing for every teenager...if more young people could see the consequences of their action, perhaps the dramatic increase in serious crimes by youth could be stemmed."—Jim Butler's review of Brazos Valley Youth Theatre, Bryan, Texas. "See the rage...feel the guilt...share the frustrations..."—ad for Kalamazoo County, Mich., Juvenile Court's TV production. "Juvie should air sometime in September."—Dallas Theater Center (they also did Dolls). "We won over 30 individual awards at state competition!" —Michelle Berg, Stevenson High School, Sterling Heights, Mich. A touching, intense, significant play. "I saw a production of Juvie at Boston University and I'd like a copy of the script." —Mary Petty, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, Michigan.

Other McDonough Young Adult plays: Alky, Blues, Carriers, 'Hoods, Splits, Turners, Users

See also: Awareness Plays for Young Adults