Just like in life, not all stories have happy endings—especially when they’re stories written by Neil LaBute. In reasons to be pretty, currently being staged at the Guthrie’s Dowling Studio by Walking Shadow Theatre Company, LaBute zeros in on a topic obsessed about by Americans: physical appearance. The play follows four young working-class friends as they cope with the growing amount of dissatisfaction present in their lives: disaffection with themselves, with each other, and, above all, with the way they look.
This is the third LaBute play staged by Walking Shadow in the last four years (Fat Pig, 2007; Some Girl(s), 2009), and the theatre company has been credited with presenting his hard-to-swallow themes and fast-paced, cynical/witty dialogue with captivating energy and intrigue. Also of note is the cast and crew behind reasons, which includes Anna Sundberg, recipient of the 2011 Ivey Awards Emerging Artist To Watch award, and director Amy Rummenie, who all but guarantees that the play will not only be entertaining, but also precise and poignant.
Now in its last week, be sure to catch reasons to be pretty and join in the many discussions that are sure to pepper restaurants, bus stops, and waiting rooms around the Twin Cities due to this controversial, captivating play.
reasons to be pretty
Through Sunday, October 2
$18-$30
Times vary, see website
Guthrie Theater, 730 Second Ave. S., Mpls.
guthrietheater.org
