“The Shape of Things”

The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its second Black Curtain Theatre production of the 2017-2018 season with “The Shape of Things” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. This thought-provoking and engaging play has performances at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 27 and 28. How far would you go for love? For art? What would you be willing to change? And what price might you pay? Neil Labute’s “The Shape of Things” addresses these provocative questions as he takes an unblinking stare into the gristle of modern relationships.

The play tells the story of Evelyn, a sexy, aggressive artist, and Adam, a shy, insecure student, who become embroiled in an intense affair. Before long, Adam, under Evelyn’s steady influence, goes to unimaginable lengths to improve his appearance and character, against the advice of his best friends Phillip and Jenny, whose own engagement is beginning to crumble. This “bitterly funny” and “dangerously seductive” play challenges our deeply entrenched ideas about art, manipulation, and love.

“Like many Neil Labute scripts, ‘The Shape of Things’ is a play that likes to raise questions,” said director Jesse DeVine. “This play, in a darkly comic way, forces the audience to decide — or, at the very least, question — what you consider to be art and what you consider to be exploitation.

“Furthermore, it forces the audience to acknowledge that the line between the two may be different for different people,” DeVine added. “The cast has really enjoyed exploring the dynamics of power within human relationships, as well as the ethical questions involved in the relationship of art and life. What is acceptable artistic material? And at what point does creation become manipulation? ‘The Shape of Things’ will leave you with much to talk about.”

Cast members include Becky Rygg as Evelyn, Paul Jorgenson as Adam, Mikey Winn as Phillip, and Allison Deavers as Jenny. Viewers are reminded that as a Black Curtain production, there will minimal staging, no set or props, and actors will be reading from a script.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students with general seating. Tickets are sold only at the door on the evenings of each show. The Box Office opens at 6:30 p.m. and is located at 1 Central Ave., Whitefish. For more information, call 862-5371. This show is sponsored by Soroptomist International of Whitefish.