The Filmcake

August 2nd – August 8th

reasons to be pretty (stage play as produced by Ghostlight Theatre Club) – Neil LaBute’s Beauty Trilogy comes to an end with this play following up on The Shape of Things and Fat Pig (presented in Ghostlight’s previous two seasons). I didn’t get to catch The Shape of Things at Ghostlight, but I did see the film version. I did, however, catch the excellent Fat Pig there last season. Out of the three, I think reasons to be pretty is my favorite. It’s the most subtle of the three. And compared to some of LaBute’s early films–In The Company of Men and Your Friends and Neighbors–it is a much gentler examination of the human condition.

Some of LaBute’s stuff plays like a horror film, populated with monsters (in most cases, men). Think Aaron Eckhart’s Chad or Jason Patric’s Cary. In this one, the most monsterish character is Kent (Jeff Burleson, just as excellent here as he was in Fat Pig). And Kent isn’t so much a monster as he is just kind of a dick. And, yes, I think there is a difference. But the rest of the characters play like complicated human beings who have moments of cruelty which are altogether human and familiar.

This play, perhaps more so than the other two, is less about beauty and more about relationships. It’s about growing up and learning to love yourself as well as how to make yourself happy (without destroying everything in your wake).

I applaud Ghostlight for putting on another wonderful performance. The musical interludes, while sometimes on the nose, were excellent choices. The minimal stage setting was effective once again. And the acting was superb. It was nice to see Burleson, who had a co-starring role in Fat Pig, shine in a more supporting role this time (just as it was nice to see him eventually get his come-uppance at the ballfield). Scott Hynes was wonderful as Greg. And after the first scene, which seemed perhaps a bit too much like acting, Victoria Stahl cruised along quite comfortably in the role of Steph. But, Rachel Bouton impressed me the most in the smaller role of Carly. All around wonderful casting.

I absolutely love the Ghostlight. I can’t wait to see more stuff there. I can’t wait to see these actors again. My knowledge of stage plays, and the craft therein is sadly lacking. Ghostlight, and other local theatres/companies, should aide in rectifying that deficiency.