How far would you go for love? For art? What would you be willing to change? What price might you pay? Such are the painful questions explored by Neil LaBute in THE SHAPE OF THINGS. A young student drifts into an ever-changing relationship with an art major while his best friends’ engagement crumbles, unleashing a drama that peels back the skin of two modern-day relationships.
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PRODUCTION HISTORY
The original play The Shape of Things premiered at the Temporary Almeida Theatre at Kings Cross, London in 2001, with Paul Rudd as Adam, Rachel Weisz as Evelyn, Gretchen Mol as Jenny, and Fred Weller as Phillip. The play was directed by LaBute himself. According to the author’s instructions, it was to be performed without an interval or a curtain call.[6] The play was adapted for the screen by LaBute, and features the original cast reprising their roles for the film version.[7]
The play has since been reprised several times with new casts. Cillian Murphy and Flora Montgomery starred in the Gate Theatre production in Dublin in 2002.[8][9] Brian Rhinehart directed a production at the Bernie West Theater in New York City in 2007.[10] In January 2011, The Gallery Soho in London staged a production directed by Tom Attenborough. In 2013, Samuel Filler directed it at the Arcola Theatre.[11] Traditionally, the characters are named Adam and Evelyn (a reference to the story of the Garden of Eden), but if a production may wish a gender reversal, the two leads are Amy and Evan.
THE SHAPE OF THINGS is produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc, NYC
Crystal Carter, Director
Trevor Gagnon, Production Stage Manager
CAST
Evelyn, Clarrissa Ramos
Adam, Johnathan Cordaway
Phillip, Campbell Reid Andrews
Jenny, Lucy Perez
SETTINGS
A liberal arts college in a conservative midwestern town
A Museum
A Restaurant Lobby
A Bedroom
A Park
A Doctor’s Lounge
A Coffee Shop
An Auditorium
An Exhibition Gallery
THE SHAPE OF THINGS IS PERFORMED WITHOUT AN INTERMISSION
THE TOBIN TEAM
President & CEO, Michael J. Fresher
Senior VP & CFO, Jeff LaSante
Senior VP of Brand and Engagement, Christopher Novosad
VP of Development, Renee Garvens
Director of Marketing, Lauren Keck
Graphics Manager, Rigo Ortiz
Community Engagement & PR Manager, Mandie Sullivan
Digital Marketing & Promotions, Alyssa Mora
Graphic Design Coordinator, Lucy Coronado
Senior Manager Front of House, Chance Margotta
Technical Director, Hector Gutierez
Assistant Technical Director, Adam McCoy
Lighting Head, Gabriel Garcia IV
Video Head, David Sangiuliano
BIOGRAPHIES
Neil LaBute
Neil LaBute (born March 19, 1963) is an American playwright, director, and screenwriter known for his provocative, often controversial works that explore themes of human relationships, power dynamics, and the darker aspects of modern life. His writing is marked by sharp dialogue, uncomfortable truths, and a keen insight into the complexities of human behavior.
LaBute was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Spokane, Washington. He attended the University of Idaho, where he earned a degree in theater, before continuing his studies at the University of Kansas and later at the renowned Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. His early education laid the foundation for his career in theater, but it was his distinctive voice as a writer that would ultimately set him apart.
LaBute’s breakthrough came with his 1997 play In the Company of Men, which he wrote and directed. The darkly satirical play, which explores the cruelty of two men who target an innocent woman as part of their bet to see who can exploit her the most emotionally, was a critical success and garnered LaBute immediate recognition. Its sharp critique of male behavior and the toxic aspects of masculinity made it a controversial and thought-provoking work.
This success led to LaBute’s next major works, including the plays Fat Pig (2004) and The Mercy Seat (2002). Fat Pig examines the relationship between a man and a woman who is overweight, addressing issues of body image, prejudice, and societal expectations. The Mercy Seat is a tense, moral exploration set in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, where two people, one of whom has been involved in a controversial act, wrestle with issues of guilt, responsibility, and survival.
LaBute’s works often delve into themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the ethical complexities of human behavior. His characters are frequently morally ambiguous, and his stories ask difficult questions about the nature of relationships and self-deception.
LaBute transitioned to film with the adaptation of his own plays, most notably In the Company of Men (1997), which received widespread critical acclaim. He went on to write and direct films such as Your Friends & Neighbors (1998), Nurse Betty (2000), and The Wicker Man (2006), a remake of the 1973 British horror film, which was less well-received. His films often carry over his theater sensibility, with a focus on character-driven stories that tackle controversial or taboo subjects.
LaBute also directed Lakeview Terrace (2008), a psychological thriller about racial tension between neighbors. His work in film, like his work in theater, is known for its dark humor, uncomfortable confrontations, and exploration of moral ambiguity.
LaBute’s works often provoke strong reactions, both positive and negative. His portrayal of relationships and power dynamics, especially in regard to gender, race, and morality, has earned him both praise for his boldness and criticism for his perceived cynicism or misogyny. However, LaBute has remained unapologetic, stating that his works are meant to challenge audiences and spark conversation, not provide easy answers.
Despite the controversy surrounding some of his work, Neil LaBute remains a significant and influential figure in contemporary American theater. His fearless exploration of the darker corners of human nature has left an indelible mark on both stage and screen, and his influence continues to resonate in the work of other playwrights and filmmakers who grapple with similar themes.
Neil LaBute’s body of work is a testament to his unique voice in American theater and cinema. His ability to create thought-provoking, uncomfortable, and often morally complex narratives has made him one of the most distinctive voices of his generation. Whether on stage or on screen, his exploration of human flaws, relationships, and the power dynamics that shape them continues to provoke, challenge, and entertain audiences around the world.
Crystal Carter
Director
Crystal is a Colorado native and new to San Antonio. She began her career as a stage manager for experimental theatre in Colorado Springs and has since worked as a director, designer, producer, dancer, actor, and clown for theatres on the Colorado front range and here in Central Texas. An award winning director and actress she is grateful for the opportunity to join the San Antonio theatre scene. This is her first show with 100A.
Clarrissa Ramos
Evelyn
Clarissa is a San Antonio based artist and thrilled to make her Industry Night Reading debut at 100A Productions. She studied and trained at TAMUCC and was a Lab Company member at the Hangar Theater in Ithaca, NY, where she learned to hone her craft in acting, devising, directing and value process. She was recently seen in Brilliant Traces (Rosannah) at St. Phillips College, the world premier of Lyric and The Keys (Miss Reed), Carmela Full of Wishes (Carmela) at Magik Theatre, and the national tour of Tomas and The Library Lady (Library Lady, Amà, Enrique). She would like to extend her thanks to Crystal and Rick for the opportunity to explore and create with a fantastic group of artists.
Johnathan Cordaway
Adam
Jonathan is a 21 year old actor born and raised in San Antonio, and is ecstatic to be working with 100a once again! He is currently a student at San Antonio College and plans to transfer to Texas State, and pursue a career in both Theatre and TV/Film. Previous credits include SAC’s Moon Over Buffalo (Paul), The Overtime’s Judgement of the Eye (Walters), 100a’s Lifespan of a Fact (Jim u/s), and is currently cast in the San Pedro Playhouse’s production of Romeo and Juliet (Sampson). He is immensely grateful for the opportunity, and would like to thank his mother for her strength and guidance in his life.
Campbell Reid Andrews
Phillip
Campbell is happy to be making their 100A production debut! Another recent debut was as Assistant director in San Pedro Playhouse production of The Rocky Horror Picture show! Campbell is super excited to share this amazing new experience with their talented friends. Campbell is SA Theatre communities’ one and only Drag King (think Drag Queen but opposite). Campbell has been performing drag in the theatre community since 2012! Some of their favorite credits include: Grady/Buster/Ensemble in The Color Purple at the Wonder Theatre, Touchstone As You Like It at Classic Theatre San Antonio, The Cat in the hat Seussical at Circle Arts Theatre, Pepe West Side Story at The Public Theatre San Antonio, Roger Grease at Palmetto Theatre. Campbell is also the first AFAB performer to be awarded an ATAC for Best Male Actor in a Musical for their role as Usnavi in In the Heights at the Watson Theatre. Campbell would like to thank all the local theaters and patrons for the opportunity to showcase their talents as a Drag artist. As well as thank you to friends and family for their unwavering support
Lucy Perez
Jenny
Lucy is thrilled to be making her 100A Productions debut with this reading. She is currently attending SAC and working towards a degree in drama. Previous credits include SAC’s Moon Over Buffalo (Eileen), The Overtime’s That Night (Katiya), and Judgement of the Eye (Lotte). Her favorite performance was as Ermida in Midsummer Sueño at The San Pedro Playhouse. She is grateful for this opportunity and looks forward to hearing the audience’s opinion.
Trevor Gagnon
Production Stage Manager
Trevor began his entertainment career as an acrobat in the Edmonton Opera’s production of The Mikado in 1991. He parlayed that experience into an acrobatic and performing career that spanned 23 years and six countries with such acclaimed companies as Dragone Entertainment and Cirque du Soleil. After retiring from performing full-time, Trevor worked as a Show Manager and Artistic Director in San Diego, California. His show, Cirque Electrique went on to win the IAAPA award for Best Show in 2017. Trevor is proud to have worked at the Tobin Center in a variety of roles since 2021 and is excited and thankful to be a part of 100A Productions. All of us at the Tobin and 100A are grateful for Trevor’s recent return from his adventure as Company Manager of House of Dancing Water in Macao, China.