The drama department is calling committers and non-committers alike to come see a show about cold feet and trying relationships. Neil LaBute’s Some Girl(s) — a play that grapples with commitment phobia — will head off the University drama department’s 2008-09 season.
The story chronicles the life of Guy, a successful writer about to marry his beautiful fiancée. Before he makes his vows, however, he decides to revisit his past.
“He goes back to all his ex-girlfriends who he thinks he has hurt the most ... They are all very different and they have all been affected by him in different ways,” fourth-year publicity assistant Casey Paul said. “In a way, he’s trying to absolve himself.”
Director Melissa Crespo said anyone can relate to the play’s theme of love.
“[It’s about] trials and tribulations, more about trials,” she said. “It’s about really finding not just the heartache, but the humor.”
Crespo, a graduate of the class of 2005, was invited back to guest-direct this show.
“Directing found me when I was here — I was fortunate enough to direct all semesters [while at the University],” Crespo said. Since her graduation, she has been actively directing in Washington and New York through two directing fellowships at Arena Stage and Second Stage Theatre, respectively. She also has worked in Shepherdstown, W.Va. at the Contemporary American Theater Festival, in St. Thomas, where she directed “The Nutcracker,” and in New York City for a one-act.
Crespo was not involved in picking the play, but she seemed excited about the choice. She admitted that the decision might have been influenced by the fact that there are always more girls than boys trying out for shows — the show has four female roles and just one male part.
She also noted, however, that LaBute is one of the few playwrights who writes for young people. Not even 50, LaBute is an acclaimed author notorious for writing about controversial topics.
“He has a very twisted way of looking at reality,” second-year College student Danny Cackley said. “He doesn’t accept some of the things we take for granted.”
Unusually, the play consists entirely of drama majors, who will portray Guy and four of his heartbroken ex-girlfriends. Both Cackley and fourth-year Kathryn Connors, who will portray ex-girlfriend Sam, have acted in several other shows for the drama department, including Twelfth Night and The Voysey Inheritance, respectively. Second-year Jacquie Walters — who has acted in So Careless and Inside the Box — will portray ex-girlfriend Tyler. It is a theater debut for fourth-year students Danielle Chan (who will portray ex Lindsay) and Laura Muschelli (who will portray ex Bobbi).
Crespo is working to develop a realistic show for her audience and hopes it won’t be a one-sided story.
“My goal is that people can see both sides and that in matters of love it takes two,” she said.
Cackley mentioned similar goals and challenges he has had with his character.
“I want to make sure he isn’t vilified,” he said.” I don’t want to portray him as an evil guy; he just doesn’t know what he wants.”
Throughout the performance, audience members will delve into issues involving women, men, relationships and ethics.
“It’s a very intimate show, an edge-of-your-seat show with a lot of drama and comedy,” Cackley said.
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