NC-17 is described as an "interconnected six character David Mamet-esque American tragedy, set in small town South Dakota. All of the characters are 17 and in their senior year. In the spirit of This is Our Youth, Suburbia and the movies 'Crash' and 'Requiem for a Dream,' this is a 100-minute intermission-less play that keeps moving forward with biting wit and provocative characters, that will hold your attention from beginning to end."

Directed by Hicks, the reading cast includes Krystal Joy Brown (Motown, Big Fish), Marrick Smith (Fun Home), Mirirai Sithole (Mother Courage), Matthew McCollum, Isaiah Salém Sanabria and Amanda Perez.

Readings were presented at Portland Center Stage and Seattle Repertory Theatre this past year under the working title PWP. The six-character play features six indie folk songs written by Portland-based singer/songwriter Justin Jude Carroll. The songs will be arranged by Eric Svejcar.

As an actor, Hicks most recently originated the role of Bob in the new musical Come from Away by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, directed by Christopher Ashley. His Broadway credits include Clarence Norris in The Scottsboro Boys, Benny in the final cast of Rent as well as originating Paul and others as part of the 1996 cast and Peter in the 2000 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar.

For more information, visit NCSeventeen.net.