LOS ANGELES -- Sixteen year old writer/director Andy Hyman makes his theatrical debut with The Crusaders, a play having its world premiere at the Two Roads Theatre Sept 4.

Hyman has written and directed two short films, The Commercial and Fries. The latter was an official selection at the 1997 Taos Talking Pictures Festival. Hyman's 10-minute play, Opportunity, won an honorable mention in the 1998 Princeton Ten Minute Play competition.

The Crusaders is a black comedy about three high school students who decide that their ultimate goal is to rid society of its meaningless traditions and etiquette.

Featured in the cast are John Boyd and Jon Rosen, both seniors (along with Hyman) at Oakwood High School. Bo Bigley plays another lead role.

"The play isn't about teenage angst or suffering," said Hyman, "but what could theoretically, if not actually, happen in a situation of extreme apathy. It's also about finding a true passion for something and just enjoying the journey it takes you on. The results are nearly as important as what was experienced along the way." The Crusaders runs Fri & Sat 8 PM; Sun 7 PM through Sept 27. Admission is $12.50. The theatre is located at 4348 Tujunga Ave in Studio City. Call Low Key Productions at (818) 753-9878.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent