Four Sparta HS alumni perform on SCCC stage

Newton — In today’s ultra-sensitive, body conscious society where an off-handed remark can lead to a barrage of intense bickering, Neil LaBute’s play Reasons to be Pretty, perfectly fits into some of today’s ultra-hyped discussions, with the play’s themes focusing on body image, deceit, and infidelity. Directed by Vicky Reed, Drama Geek Studios presents the romantic dramady Reasons to Be Pretty at the Performing Arts Center at Sussex County Community College on Thursday, November 9 at 8 pm, Friday, November 10 at 8 pm, Saturday, November 11 at 8 pm, and Sunday, November 12 at 2 pm.
Drama Geek Studios’ dramady is geared for a mature audience. Reasons to Be Pretty is the last in the critically acclaimed trilogy (following The Shape of Things and Fat Pigs) and was LaBute’s first play to be produced on Broadway in 2012.
Reasons to Be Pretty circles around two twenty-something-year-old couples, Greg and Steph, and Carly and Kent. When Greg remarks about Steph’s “regular” appearance, which gets back to her, it disrupts the lives of the two couples. Each of them deals with the pressures of what it means to be pretty, and how other issues also affect their relationships.
All four cast members of Reasons to Be Pretty are Sparta High School alumni, and three still reside in Sparta, NJ: Amanda Ianuzzi (Carly) graduated from Ramapo College, Anna Gundersen (Steph) graduated from Penn State, Matt Boffa (Kent) graduated from Misericordia University, and Hardwick resident David Colberg (Greg) graduated from University of Delaware.
“When deciding upon the cast Reasons to Be Pretty, I knew Amanda, Anna, Matt and David could handle the content of this insightful and witty drama,” said Director Vicky Reed.
An English, Drama and Public Speaking teacher at Sparta High School who also directs the fall drama in the school, Vicky Reed maintains relationships with some of her graduated theater students. “When my husband Josh and I created Drama Geek Studios three years ago, our vision was not only to provide an artistic space for the community, but a place for our very talented group of students to perform and call their second home,” Reed said.
Tickets are $15 for students and seniors and $20 for adults if reserved or purchased prior to the show. All tickets are $25 at the door. To reserve or purchase tickets contact 973-512-8251 or visit dramageekstudios.com. The Performing Arts Center at Sussex County Community College is located at 1 College Hill Road, Newton, NJ 07860.
About Drama Geek Studios:
Drama Geek Studios, the official community theater at the Performing Arts Center Sussex County Community College, is a non-profit community theater located in Newton, NJ. A fun, interactive learning environment centered around the performing arts, Drama Geek Studios firmly believes that by developing creativity, fostering individuality, and allowing inspiration to be pursued, we become more productive people. The studio offers an opportunity for people young and old to come to the studio, take a class or two, have some fun and get geeky! Drama Geek Studios also has a community theater where anybody with an interest in live theater can audition and participate without a participation fee. Drama Geek Studios holds theater classes located at 13 Washington Street, Newton, NJ. For more information about classes and upcoming performances and auditions, visit dramageekstudios.com or call 973-512-8251.