Spring Break
Take a look at 'The Shape of Things'
Rachel Love
Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Diversions
Shape of Things
Four stars
Director: Nicholas Shelar
Running: March 6, 7, 8
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Fri & Sat), 2 p.m. (Sun)
Cost: $8 for general admission, $6
for Senior citizens, $5 for general students, $4 for OSU students
"The Shape of Things" is a student-produced and directed play put on by the university theater department. Last night was its first showing, and it will continue to run through March 8. The one hour and 45 minute play serves as a discussion about morals, an examination of right and wrong and the psychology of relationships. The play is made up of an entirely undergraduate cast, most of whom are not studying theater as a major, with the exception of Director Nicholas Shelar.
At the beginning of the play, we meet puppy-faced Adam (Jeff Nichols), a student security guard at what is presumably a campus art gallery, and quick-thinking, manipulative Evelyn (Anastasia Bumbar), who seems to have plans to make Adam's job as difficult as possible. As their relationship unfolds, we are introduced to two of Adam's friends: pig-headed Phillip (Michael Bishop) and soft-spoken Jenny (Jamie Bilderback). This couple's own relationship both complicates and seemingly strengthens the relationship between Evelyn and Adam. Some of the content is predictable and a little played out, but the true experience of a play is watching the actors, not critiquing the content, so just sit back and enjoy.
Without giving away the climax, there is a surprise ending. While many will be able to predict this ending ahead of time, its purpose is not really to throw you for an abrupt loop as much as it's meant to drive home the moral ambiguities that form the main premise for the play.
Since I saw the play on opening night (for a preview audience comprised almost entirely of close friends), it's likely that I noticed a few snafus that future audiences may not encounter. Nevertheless, if you're not a regular playgoer, there are a few things you should know.
Four stars
Director: Nicholas Shelar
Running: March 6, 7, 8
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Fri & Sat), 2 p.m. (Sun)
Cost: $8 for general admission, $6
for Senior citizens, $5 for general students, $4 for OSU students
"The Shape of Things" is a student-produced and directed play put on by the university theater department. Last night was its first showing, and it will continue to run through March 8. The one hour and 45 minute play serves as a discussion about morals, an examination of right and wrong and the psychology of relationships. The play is made up of an entirely undergraduate cast, most of whom are not studying theater as a major, with the exception of Director Nicholas Shelar.
At the beginning of the play, we meet puppy-faced Adam (Jeff Nichols), a student security guard at what is presumably a campus art gallery, and quick-thinking, manipulative Evelyn (Anastasia Bumbar), who seems to have plans to make Adam's job as difficult as possible. As their relationship unfolds, we are introduced to two of Adam's friends: pig-headed Phillip (Michael Bishop) and soft-spoken Jenny (Jamie Bilderback). This couple's own relationship both complicates and seemingly strengthens the relationship between Evelyn and Adam. Some of the content is predictable and a little played out, but the true experience of a play is watching the actors, not critiquing the content, so just sit back and enjoy.
Without giving away the climax, there is a surprise ending. While many will be able to predict this ending ahead of time, its purpose is not really to throw you for an abrupt loop as much as it's meant to drive home the moral ambiguities that form the main premise for the play.
Since I saw the play on opening night (for a preview audience comprised almost entirely of close friends), it's likely that I noticed a few snafus that future audiences may not encounter. Nevertheless, if you're not a regular playgoer, there are a few things you should know.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Be the first to comment on this story
Comments by registered users are approved by default.