Mean

The Conn Theater
1900 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis

When you're young, being even a little different can feel like having a target on your back for bullies. That's how it is for three different students in the new play Mean, from Youth Performance Company. Taylor is plus-sized, while Inam is Muslim and Nick doesn't have a girlfriend. Each of them feels increasingly isolated as they deal with bullies at their school. But with the help of teachers, parents and friends, they see that it's our differences that make us interesting. Brought to life by a talented youth cast, this production at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center in Minneapolis is a timely show with some valuable lessons for students.