Party with Degrassi at Harris Theater | Photos

Though my teen years weren’t filled with gang violence that lead to cage fighting, teen pregnancy, drug addictions and my mom getting hitched to my boyfriend’s dad, for the kids at fictional Degrassi Community School, these things aren’t only possible, they’ve happened. Maybe they do high school a little differently in Canada?

Luckily the "Party with Degrassi" screening and Q&A yesterday at Harris Theater was far less dramatic. Popcorn, candy and specialty mocktails with names such as “Boyfriend Stealer” and “Panther’s Punch” were doled out to superfans that braved the cold in line—some since 8am—to enter the tween-friendly party boasting a color scheme of hot pink, lime green and neon orange. Once inside, guests happily hit up t-shirt making stations and a photo booth that projected scenes from Degrassi Community School as the DJ pounded out pop tunes.

For those unfamiliar with Degrassi, the angsty Canadian dramedy has been tackling issues affecting teens for more than 30 years, off and on. Degrassi: The New Generation started in 2001 and has since discussed topics like transgendered youth, Asperger's syndrome, child abuse and other topics that go beyond what many other teen-centered shows dare cover.

Mom Tammara Butler of Chicago’s north side says the story lines are great because they “get a lot of generations talking and give an opening for parents to discuss a wide range of issues.” “Sometimes I’ll be watching it with my mom in the room and she’ll use it as an ice breaker to talk about things,” adds her 15-year-old daughter Ciara.

Other parents agree. Charles Loiseau of Evanston says watching the show with his 14-year-old daughter Amalia has helped them bond. "I surprised her today when I was able to get some tickets," he adds. Amalia couldn't begin to hide the excitement on her face, especially in hopes of seeing the actor playing Drew, the resident 17-year-old hottie of the show.

After an advance screening of the newest episode in season 11, four members of the current lineup—Luke Bilyk (Drew), Jahmil French (Dave), Aislinn Paul (Clare) and Melinda Shankar (Alli)—conducted a Q&A panel. MJ from 103.5 KISS FM emceed the event, asking questions the audience tweeted to #degrassiparty throughout the night. Though much of the panel's time consisted of the actors being asked for hugs (and audience members gleefully screeching after receiving a wave), seeing the familial dynamic of the group of teen actors was the most interesting element. French displaying his hip-hop dancing skills with some fancy footwork was up there as well.

Earlier in the evening, I had the chance to interview the cast one-on-one. Seated on top of a macaroni-orange carpet (the show airs on TeenNick), they promised all the drama and hilarity audiences have come to expect from the show. “New characters, new story lines, new relationships, this upcoming part we’ll see some new interactions,” said French. The cast also teased some dramatic surprises. “Coming up, Dave has this really, really amazing storyline” said Paul. “Once we read it, we were all shocked and amazed.” Further pushing revealed that it is Alli and Dave’s past relationship that will bring up future challenges. 

For Paul’s character, Clare, the future involves moving on after seeing her best friend make out with her boyfriend. “Clare is going to try to see where she fits in her social life without her best friend.” That best friend, Alli, also has some struggles to overcome. “She’s starting the school year with none of the strong foundations she had,” says Shankar. Bilyk's character just finished an episode arch about joining a fight club and experiencing PTSD after being part of a second-degree murder (WHAT?!). It sounds like he won't have any down time as Biana, a girl who brings trouble, reenters his life. 

For some fans, however, the telenovela has provided much more than entertaining drama. After meeting friend Miranda Hutman, 20, on a Degrassi role playing site, Casey Hayes, 21, moved from Vermont to Valparaiso, Indiana to live with Hutman. "The show's given me a home!" said Hayes. Nick Klokner, 22, and Erica Thompson, 21, of Kenosha, Wisconsin said the show has an added layer of nostalgia. "I still remember the night I watched the pilot in 6th grade," said Thompson, reminiscing over the first episode of Degrassi: The New Generation.

If the audience's reaction to the new episode is of any indication—the high-pitched screams surely made more than a few dogs bark—fans' appetites for melodrama will be no doubt be satisfied.

Catch Degrassi: The New Generation on TeenNick beginning Monday, February 20 with the first part of the season 11 premiere episode "Underneath it All."