VISTA — Actor Ben Seton traveled halfway around the globe from his native Australia for the American debut of his one-man cautionary tale, “Cheap Thrills,” first performed for at-risk New Haven students at North Coast Church on Aug. 6.

“Cheap Thrills” is the story of a 15-year-old boy coming to grips with the accidental death of his best friend, a death he was in some ways responsible for. At the same time, he has to cope with his father’s alcoholism as well as his own drug issues. Based on a true story, “Cheap Thrills” was written to communicate the importance of personal responsibility to troubled children. Seton has told the poignant story countless times to thousands of children throughout Australia.

“I’ve always believed in relevant theater,” Seton said. “It’s just a joy to do the show because of the reactions of the kids and how much they relate to it. It’s got such positive messages in it as far as the journey this kid goes through.”

The young actor said the teenagers of New Haven were an ideal audience for the play. The specialized boarding school has an enrollment of 72 students, who are all in danger of falling through society’s cracks. Many have emotional problems and some suffer from Asperger syndrome, a mild form of autism.

“Our boys are mainly the ones that everyone gives up on,” New Haven Director of Development David Piazza said. “Our boys are emotionally damaged. They’re not juvenile delinquents. If we don’t stop their behavior now, they’re going to move on to that.”

Piazza is always looking for ways to provide therapy for his kids. Seton’s show was a perfect fit, he said, because it isn’t too didactic. “Cheap Thrills” is also comedic at times, in part thanks to Seton’s knack for physical comedy. Kids don’t want to be preached to, they want to be entertained, Seton said.

Despite the success “Cheap Thrills” enjoyed Down Under, Seton worried his accent and use of Australian slang would make for an incomprehensible show in California. However, if the lively Q&A session afterwards was any indication, the play’s message was not lost in translation. Many students were unreserved in their praise.

“It was really nice,” a teen named Suvada said enthusiastically. “I like everything he did.”

“I liked the fact that it actually had a moral to say and that it wasn’t just for fun,” Ian, a lanky teen poet, said. “It means something to kids and it’ll change their lives, hopefully ... I’m not in that same situation (as the protagonist), but I can understand where he’s coming from and it’s very interesting.”

Seton was pleased with the results. “The whole idea of the show is to raise discussion,” he said. “Hopefully, the kids will see they can take responsibility for their choices and see the consequences of their choices.”

The success of his first show bodes well for future stops on a planned statewide tour. For more information about the show, e-mail ben@benseton.com.