NAU Theater will present playwright and filmmaker Neil LaBute’s The Shape of Things for eight performances in the Studio Theater Feb. 21 to March 2.
LaBute’s story is set in a small Midwest university town and centers on the lives of four young students who become emotionally and romantically involved with each other. As with much of LaBute’s work, The Shape of Things explores human nature and the human psyche, with themes of love and intimacy. In 2003, the play was made into a film starring Paul Rudd and Rachel Weisz.
The cast of five includes NAU students Devon Mahon as Adam, Veronica Ancona as Evelyn, Rob Barnes as Phillip and Chelsea Hightower as Jenny. Naomi Blackwell also appears.
The all-student design team includes Rachel Johnson (costumes), Stephen Willis (technical director), Ryan Cummins (set design), Mindy Judson-Garcia and Alyssa Rojas (lighting), Audrey Young (prop designer), Ayan Aunario (stage manager) and Chelsea Myers and Kayla Cook (assistant stage managers).
“Neil LaBute really makes you think about society and the ways we respond to objectification in our culture,” said director and theater lecturer Darby Winterhalter Lofstrand, noting that this production in particular has been highly anticipated by theater students because of LaBute’s universal themes.
“This is one of his more intriguing plays. It has a wonderful twist at the end—come see it for the ending,” she said.
The Shape of Things will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and March 1. There will be matinee performances at 2 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 2. Due to the play’s mature subject matter, viewer discretion is advised.
Individual tickets for the performance are $14 for general public; $12 for seniors and NAU staff; $8 for children; and $2 for NAU students. Tickets can be purchased from the Central Ticket Office located in the University Union (Bldg. 30) by calling (928) 523-5661 or (888) 520-7214, or by visiting nau.edu/cto.
Free parking is available after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends in Parking Lot P13, behind the Cline Library.