Tosa East grad stars in Milwaukee film premiere

When the film "Drivers Ed Mutiny" makes its Milwaukee premiere at The Times Cinema on Thursday, March 11, it will feature 2005 Wauwatosa East graduate Hunter Johnson.

The second feature-length film by local filmmaking team Collateral Damage Productions is a comedy / drama about three teens -- including Nick, played by Johnson -- who steal their driver's ed car to make a trio from Chicago to Los Angeles. It is a coming of age journey that dips into a few potholes along the way.

The film follows 2007's "The Chemistry of Dating" and was shot in nine states.

Johnson was the president of the Tosa East Players during his senior year at the school and went on to earn his BA in drama at Chicago's Columbia College in 2009.

"We had a blast making this movie, and I think it deals with issues that young people can relate to," Johnson said.

"I'm glad I was able to help with this project, and I give Mr. (Thomas) Thaney and the rest of the Tosa East theater department some of the credit. The auditions for the film were held in Chicago, and were open to the public. Tons of people auditioned to play Nick, the lead role. The lessons I learned at Tosa East and Columbia College helped me land that role."

The screening starts at 7 p.m. and there is a talkback session with Johnson and director Brad Hansen following the film.