[Capdist-announce] Critics Cheer ACT's "The Shape of Things"

[Charles Treadwell]

"Director Aaron Holbritter has assembled a strong cast able to artfully balance the humor and the vitriol. (Ian) LaChance captures Adam’s silent joy as he transforms from clueless dweeb into the societal beauty norm with an earnestness that neither cloys or rings false."

"It perplexes and frustrates — and it’s mighty good theater."

- Matthew Moross, The Daily Gazette

"(Laura) Murphy is like a cold-blooded James Bond villain and a hot-blooded Bond girl all in one. Adam, her victim, is assayed by Ian LaChance, who has yet to play a less than commanding role on the local stage."

 “"Shape' has things to say about art, humanity, morality and the transformative power of love. As conversations go, it’s an interesting project."

- Michael Eck, The Times Union


Albany Civic Theater Presents:

"The Shape of Things"

by Neil LaBute

directed by Aaron Holbritter

11/10-11/11/12 and 11/16-11/18/12

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3 pm

*Please note that all evening shows start at 7:30pm for our 2012/2013 season*

If you could get your significant other to change one thing about themselves, what would it be? A new hairstyle? Better clothes? Lose a little weight? Neil LaBute's controversial play "The Shape of Things" is the first in a trilogy that includes Fat Pig and Reasons to be Pretty. Set in a small college town, this play centers around the lives of four students who become romantically and sexually involved with one another. When insecure, gentle Adam meets hip, sexy graduate art student Evelyn, he starts making major changes to his physical appearance, circle of friends, and standards of morality.

LaBute's darkly funny reverse Pygmalion myth examines the point at which love and sex become manipulation, at which creativity becomes destruction, and at which contemporary gender roles become a front for waging war. The jaw-dropping conclusion of "The Shape of Things" is sure to leave audiences talking.

*This show contains adult themes and adult language*

Starring: Rhiannon Antico, Ian LaChance, Laura Murphy, and Tom Templeton

Call 462-1297 for reservations

235 Second Avenue, Albany, NY (3 Blocks from the southern terminus of I-787).