Pitt Stages, the in-house theater company of the Department of Theatre Arts, will present the world premiere of “Morning Reckoning,” a coming-of-age story about the bonds of friendship developed in an adolescent group and the formative experiences that shaped their lives as they reunite 20 years later. The play will run Feb. 14 to 23 at Pitt’s Richard E. Rauh Studio Theatre. 

“Morning Reckoning” was written by Kelly Trumball, a Department of Theatre Arts assistant professor. The play was described as a “memory-sparking, cringe-inducing, laugh-out-loud, coming-of-age story of five eighth-grade friends in the suburbs of New Jersey in 1999.”  

“Morning Reckoning” will resonate with those seeking a celebration of long-term friendship, or the nostalgia of first crushes in the boy band eras of NSYNC to One Direction.   

Its first act premiered during the 2022-23 community-supported arts season at Pittsburgh’s New Hazlett Theater. The show is being performed and produced by Pitt students, faculty members and staff. Ashley Martin, arts administrative officer in the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, will direct. 

In addition to her role as playwright, Trumbull has worked as a director with Pittsburgh Playhouse, Pitt Stages, and the New Hazlett Theater’s CSA Series, among others.