PLU Theatre focuses on growth in upcoming Shape of Things

PLU Theatre presents an exciting new production, The Shape of Things, opening May 3rd. The story is a twisted tale that explores what people are willing to do for love and what can happen when love takes things too far. The play written by Neil Labute, has been widely produced since its premiere in 2001. In 2003, it was made into a featured film starring Paul Rudd.

The Shape of Things runs May 3, 4, 5 at 7:30 pm and May 5 (student discount performance) and 6 at 2 pm in the Studio Theater of Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available online on Eventbrite. $10 – General admission; $5 – 60+, military, PLU alumni and students; free – high school students and younger.

The Shape of Things follows Adam, a college student who is a little overweight, not very confident, and without much going for him. Even his friends, Phillip and Jenny, can’t get him out of his rut. But when he begins to date Evelyn, a dynamic graduate student, Adam begins to feel better and better about himself. He changes his hair, gets contact lenses, loses weight—generally becoming a better version of himself. But at what price?

Associate Professor and Artistic Director of Theatre, Tom Smith double-cast the production to not only offer more roles to students, but also to explore two different approaches to the production: one being centered more on Adam and the other on Evelyn.

“The amazing thing about working in PLU’s Theatre program is the chance to take amazing material and direct it with completely different casts in two completely different ways. I hope audiences may consider coming to see both just to compare how different the material can seem with different performers and different costumes.”

The play features first year students Sean Kilen (Phillip), Nick Sherwin (Adam), and Henry Temple (Phillip), juniors Kaylee Hawkins (Evelyn), Nathan Laudolff (Adam) and Elsa Kienberger (Jenny) and seniors Gabby Dolan (Jenny) and Kaira Hensler (Evelyn). The performance is stage managed by junior, Elle Campbell with scenic and lighting design by Assistant Faculty of Theatre, Professor Amanda Sweger.  One cast will wear costumes designed by faculty Kathy Anderson, and the other by student Kali Pohle.

The Shape of Things is intended for mature audiences due to mild adult content.