Craig Marker and Lauren English in reasons to be pretty at SF Playhouse
reasons to be pretty, a dark comedy by Neil LaBute is the third play in his trilogy with includesThe Shape of Things and Fat Pig, which all focus on our American obsession with physical appearance.
Greg (Craig Marker) has been living with Stephanie (Lauren English) for four years when he makes an offhand remark to Kent (Patrick Russell) that Stephanie has “a regular face” which triggers a violent outburst from Stephanie. This scene is way “over the top” and begins at such a high pitch that the two actors have nowhere to go. So the simple, offhand use of the word “regular” to compare a girlfriend’s face to that of a new, pretty co-worker is more than enough to warrant the explosion that follows.
Greg, a warehouse worker with an interest in classical literature is such a straightforward person that it’s hard to believe he really meant anything by his remark. He explains often enough and tries as best as he knows how, to apologize, but Steph isn’t buying it. Neither are his co-workers Kent and Carly (Jennifer Stuckert), a married couple with issues of their own. So, Greg is left to navigate his newly single life while remaining embroiled in the drama that continually swirls around him.
Bill English’s wonderful set is mounted on a revolving stage allowing the action of the play to flow smoothly without interruption. Marker and Lauren English are so good they are able to bring this play to life under Susi Damilano’s clever direction (except for the opening scene). These are the two characters who show growth and are able to change.
reasons to be pretty makes for an interesting jumping off point, the examination of the importance of beauty and the power of everyday words.
reasons to be pretty runs through May 11 at the San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post Street (second floor of Kensington Park Hotel) b/n Powell and Mason. Performances are Tuesday-Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday-Saturday at 8 p.m.; also Saturday at 3 p.m. For tickets, call 415-677-9596 or go online at www.sfplayhouse.org.
Coming up next at SF Playhouse will be Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh and directed by Amy Glazer, May 21-July 6, 2013.
Flora Lynn Isaacson
