BWW Student Center: The University of Utah takes on Obsession, Deceit, Romance and the Meaning of Life!

Within seconds of this show beginning, you are right in the middle of a heated and vicious verbal sparring match between two lovers. What follows is a tirade of insults and language that would be tough to rival in any production. What is the cause of this explosive battle? Infidelity, a hidden gambling addiction, or a double life lived somewhere else - no. Greg (Andy Ricci) had the nerve to say to his co-worker, that Steph (his lover played by Krista Niederjohn) is just "regular."

In the University of Utah's Department of Theatre's production of Neil LeBute's Reasons to Be Pretty we are given the opportunity to examine our nation's obsession with beauty and romance through the eyes of the fairly laid back Greg, his lover Steph and two of their friends (Heather Marie Maughan and Aaron Kramer). And true to LeBute's fashion, you can expect that this volatile beginning is only the start of what waits in store.

Director Jason Bowcutt says that, while the play explores the theme of obsession with beauty in America, "it is really about relationships, and learning to live life with purpose." See more of Bowcutt in his interview below.

For Ricci the role of Greg will be his last as he is a senior slated to graduate this spring. It's interesting to hear the questions he has pondered through this show as he is approaching these very milestones in his own life.

"I feel it is a reall y good story for the person who is in their quarter-life crisis, and just asks themselves, 'what is my life? This play will illuminate those times in your life where you thought you were stuck, but just kept searching through your life until you finally found a point where you awakened your soul."

In addition to the show Ricci comments about his experience at the U. "Not only are the students very dedicated, but the professors too are extremely devoted when it comes the learning process; from having one on one tutorials, to holding rehearsals for scenes at two and three am, you can really tell that the professors are fully committed to help you learn. It is a theatre program I would absolutely recommend to any person wanting to become an actor, no matter the age. What I have experienced in the ATP is something that I wouldn't trade for anything; it has truly been one of the greatest educational, social, and familial adventures in my life."

Finally, Reasons to Be Pretty has been described as a "a hopeless romantic drama about the hopelessness of romance." And while it is true that most of Neil LaBute's works don't leave you feeling a lot of hope for humanity, Bowcutt thinks this particular play is different. I challenge you to see this show and tell me if you agree...

Reasons to Be Pretty is playing Through March 24th at Studio 115. Ticket prices are $10 for General Admission and can be obtained by calling 801-581-7100 or online.