MSU Theatre presents modern-day Eve-seducing-Adam story

Michelle Brunson, director and scenic designer of the upcoming theatre production “The Shape of Things” didn’t realize the play would open Valentine’s Day weekend.

“It was serendipitous,” she said about the “modern-day Eve seducing Adam story.”

The spring 2020 McNeese State University theatre season kicks off with “The Shape of Things” Feb. 12-16 in Squires Recital Hall. Times are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12-15 and 2 p.m. Feb. 16.

The Neil LaBute play begins innocently enough, boy meets girl. However, darkness gathers, unpacking plenty to viscerally and intellectually engage the audience, even before the surprising climax that shows human manipulation on a new level.

Neil LaBute’s “The Shape of Things” is recommended for adult audiences, exploring how far some people will go for love, the nature of art and the moral responsibility of the artist.

Evelyn, a hip Bohemian art student meets Adam, a nice, shy scruffy art gallery security guard. He falls hard. She finds him quite malleable and begins to reshape him in every sense of the word through her subtle suggestions.

Peyton Stanford of Welsh plays the part of Adam.

“We use costuming, makeup, clothing, hairstyle and other ways to show how Adam evolves,” Brunson said. “But this actor actually transformed himself physically in real life in preparation for this production.”

Brunson added shadowsilhouette dancing between acts to pack even more into the show for the audience. Scenes show Eve being born from Adam’s side and the serpent’s seduction.

“The Shape of Things” also stars Lara Connally, Lake Charles, as Evelyn; Anna Sternaman, Lafayette, as Jenny; and Brett Chase, Lake Charles, as Phillip. Supporting cast includes Jacauez Morgan, New Orleans; Joel Jacobs, Lake Charles; Himshree Neupane, Kathmandu, Nepal; Hope Wasson, Baton Rouge; Rhett Goodner, Sulphur; Mashaelie Blackwell, DeRidder; and Aubrey Mercer, Moss Bluff.

Crew members include Tabitha Leger, Lake Charles, stage manager; Larry Reed, photographer, Lake Charles; Bronson Jordan, lightboard operator, Lake Charles; Rhett McCann, soundboard operator, Moss Bluff; David Ifland, sound designer, DeRidder; Jonathon Richards, lighting designer, Lake Charles; and Luke Connally, assistant technical director, Austin, Texas.

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Call 475-5040 or go to mcneese. edu/performingartsboxoffice for ticket information or reservations.