Written by Neil LaBute, it's a love story that puts the pressures of being pretty at the center. We'd say it's a pretty good event to put on your entertainment bucket list this month. Read on to find out why.
1. You've probably never been to this Playground
If you didn't get a chance to see Really Really in December, then this is your chance to check out one of Dayton's newest theatre companies. Focused on millennial-driven theater, Playground creates shows that are raw, honest and often hilarious -- in short, what it means to be human.
2. You'll be seeing a play about real people
"Reasons to be Pretty" features relatable people dealing with issues we're all familiar with. The play touches on insecurities, body image, love, relationships and self-discovery. It's impossible not to see yourself in these characters.
3. It's crazy funny
At its core, "Reasons to be Pretty" is about finding love, and we all know how tragically hilarious that can be. Steph wants someone to love her for who she is, Kent wants to have his cake and eat it too, poor Carly doesn't seem to have a clue, and Greg is just trying to make it through the day. The cast couldn't even make it through the first rehearsal without cracking up.
4. It's got a killer soundtrack
The Playground always includes a great soundtrack to help tell their stories. "Reasons to be Pretty" will feature some of today's top indie and alternative bands and artists, including The Raconteurs, Ryan Adams, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Whiskeytown and Band of Skulls, to name a few. You'll definitely want to follow our Spotify playlist.
5. You'll support local theatre
Just by coming out to see "Reasons to be Pretty," you're supporting a local company, local actors, and local theatre artists. This kind of support helps The Playground grow -- and most importantly, adds to Dayton's already booming cultural community.
6. It's edgy
If you aren't the average theatregoer (or even if you are), you may not know much about the shows The Playground is doing. It produces contemporary plays not typically seen in the Dayton area that do not shy away from intense subject matter. They are bold, gritty, raw, honest, edgy and painfully funny. This Playground is not for kids.
7. The buzz
According to Gina Neuerer, the chair of Sinclair Community College's Department of Theatre: "No one [in Dayton] is doing theatre like this."
Enough said.
Want to go?
WHAT: Reasons to be Pretty
WHERE: The Mathile Theatre inside The Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton
COST: Adult/$20, Students/$15
HOURS: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 24; 8 p.m. Friday, March 25; 2 & 8 p.m. Saturday, March 26
INFO: Website | 937-657-1726
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