LCCC fall theatre production explores relationships and beauty with rotating stage

CHEYENNE, Wyoming – A single thoughtless comment can change everything. This November, Laramie County Community College’s theatre program will present “Reasons to Be Pretty,” a comedy-drama that explores relationships, personal insecurities and society’s obsession with physical appearance.

Performances are set for 7 p.m. November 12-14 and 19-21 in the College Community Center Playhouse on LCCC’s Cheyenne campus.

Written by playwright Neil LaBute, “Reasons to Be Pretty” follows a couple whose relationship begins to unravel after an insensitive remark about appearance sets off a chain of confrontations. As the conflict spreads to their friends, the characters face uncomfortable questions about honesty, loyalty, attraction and the expectations people place on themselves and others.

“I’m not going to lie. This is going to be a hard play to watch,” said Jason Pasqua, LCCC theatre instructor. “That’s probably not a great thing to say to a person who just sat down in a theatre, but it’s true. It’s going to be hard to watch because it’s going to challenge you in a few ways. Neil LaBute is one of America’s finest playwrights, and he writes stories that don’t shy away from the complicated things we pretend don’t exist and don’t want to think about.”

Blending sharp humor with emotionally charged conversations, the play examines how seemingly harmless words can expose deeper insecurities and damage relationships. At its heart, the story challenges audiences to consider how much importance society places on physical beauty and the consequences of judging others by their appearance.

LCCC’s production will feature an unconventional stage design that places the action in the center of the room. The stage rotates throughout the performance, revealing conversations and interactions on opposite sides of the divide. The changing perspectives reinforce the play’s exploration of relationships, allowing the audience to see how the same conflict unfolds from different points of view.

The production contains adult content, themes and language and is not recommended for audience members under 18.

To purchase tickets, visit lccc.wy.edu/theatretickets.

For more information about the production or LCCC’s theatre program, visit lccc.wy.edu/theatre.