Actors shine in play, realistically dramatize college life

Haley Prestridge and Forrest Harlan act out an emotional moment in the UNA production, “The Shape of Things” last week.

“The Shape of Things” is a 2001 play written by American playwright and director Neil LaBute. LaBute directed a 2003 film version of the play starring Paul Rudd and Rachel Weisz, who originated their roles in a 2001 London production.

The play follows Adam, a clumsy, nerdy English major who has never had success with women. Adam meets Evelyn, a beautiful graduate student who sculpts Adam’s personality, physical appearance and friends to shape him in to the person she wants him to be.

The audience later learns that Evelyn was using Adam as her thesis project and that she had none of the actual feelings that she expressed to him.

The minimalistic set framed a projection screen that showed images to set each scene. The running crew performed scene changes in full stage light rather than blackouts, which seemed to be necessary but proved slightly distracting at times.

The stage at Norton had once again been transformed in to a “black box” space, putting the audience on stage with the action. This caused slight distraction when numerous patrons were text messaging during the production, a mortal sin in the theatre.

Patrons were also using their programs as fans in the hot auditorium.

Forrest Harlan’s performance as Adam in the UNA Theatre Department’s production was a genuine, likeable and personable portrayal of the character. Harlan’s evolution from being shy and nerdy in the first scene, to opening himself up and becoming Evelyn’s creation as the play progressed proved to be believable and touching. Audience members felt the pain and embarrassment felt by Harlan’s character in the final scenes when he discovers Evelyn’s true motives.

The role of Evelyn, played by Haley Prestridge, left a dislike for her character in the way she was treating Adam. Prestridge’s charming looks and personality could have shone through a little more, making her character more likeable early in the play.

Though her character has many long monologues, Prestridge didn’t struggle with her performance of these pieces. Though her character could have been more likeable, she carried the difficult role of Evelyn well.

The other characters, Adam’s friends Phillip and Jenny, played by Max Raybon and Harrison Chambliss, added more conflict to the story as Evelyn asked Adam to distance himself from them. Raybon’s comfortable portrayal of Phillip was a standout. His strong, genuine performance gave those he was on stage with lots of action to work with.

The choice of “The Shape of Things” is one that can easily relate to UNA students, as the play takes place at a small-town college, and deals with issues such as appearance, acceptance and art.

The play included strong language and suggestive material that added to the intensity of the scenes and interaction between the characters, creating a shockingly realistic look at small-town college life.