Neil LaBute's New Play REASONS TO BE PRETTY

I saw Neil LaBute's new comedy REASONS TO BE PRETTY on Wednesday evening, June 10. Although the production is closing June 14 (today), it is a well acted and fiercely driven comedy about miscommunications in relationship. After Act One was completed, I thought to myself that Act Two would not explode or move forward, which is a typical problem for the second act. But boy, was I delightfully wrong. The entire production moved aggressively with strong and emotionally deep moments, specifically between the two principal roles, Steph and Greg. I was not so taken with Greg in the first act, but these young actors, dove into the emotional frenzy of this LaBute writing, and delivered with strong and honest portrayals. Although the writing is intense contemporary language, the scenes are somewhat my students can sink their "teeth" into with well written emotional drives. The cast is young and there were no name starts, which I also enjoyed. Since that production, I have purchased the script, and will definitely use it in my acting classes. I am always looking for new scripts.