reasons to be pretty...

by Neil Labute
Jobsite Theater
Tampa, FL
May 12th, 2011


Watch what you say, especially with whomever may be listening.


Jobsite's latest effort reasons to be pretty takes us on a journey of modern relationships between men and women as well as the ubiquity of self esteem, vanity and confidence. Jobsite brought Neil Labute's Tony nominated play to life in a palpable and refreshingly forward thinking manner I've come to expect.

Jobsite's wonderfully gifted cast shine once again in this alarmingly relevant production. The show begins with Jobsite favorites Kari Goetz and Dayton Sinkia as our failing and feuding couple. Goetz's foul-mouthed portrayal of a woman scorned to woman empowered was played with great care and never seemed forced. Dayton Sinkia's characterization of Greg found a nice balance of absent-mindedness and resolve; which naturally progresses his character from beginning to end. Grace Santos Feeney's role of well meaning Carly was adequately performed and didn't leave anything to be desired.

If I could applaud through the review, I would do so for Chris Jackson's role of Kent. Jackson's explosive and polarizing performance was without doubt the anchor this production. Jackson's clever and witty delivery coupled with his incendiary intensity during his final scene were the capstones of an already impressive show. Bravo.

Cast of reasons to be pretty

l to r: Dayton Sinkia, Chris Jackson, Kari Goetz, Grace Santos Feeney

c/o jobsitetheater.org

As soon as the lights go up over the stage, Jobsite's production buckles you into your seat and takes off at 100mph. Jumping right into a domestic dispute spawning from one little comment, reasons to be pretty employs colorful, contemporary language we've all used in moments of passion. We slowly piece together the catalyst of Greg and Steph's argument and learn his comments about her "average" appearance. The argument continues as they consider their future with or without each other. We are later introduced to Carly and Kent and their superficially sound but ultimately rocky relationship. The play bounced from conversation to conversation with insouciant staging, setting aside the need for spectacle and allowing the dialogue to reign supreme. reasons to be pretty touches on elements of infidelity, reconciliation, friendship and yes, beauty.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed reasons to be pretty. Having heard or said something emoted on stage at one point or another in my life reminds me of this achingly real subject matter. This play had me cringing at certain points due to its acute realism with respects to dialogue and performance. Any one who has ever gone through a bad break up will surely relate to one or all moments on stage. I would recommend this play to everyone in town and I hope you get a chance to see it and possibly apply something you learn to a existing or future partnership.

reasons to be pretty has been extended through June 5th thanks to strong ticket sales. Jobsite has a knack for making the intimate Shimberg Playhouse a great venue with no bad seats. Be sure to click here for more information on reasons to be pretty and Jobsite Theater.

Don't forget to follow us on twitter and/or facebook for the latest on the performing arts community in Tampa.

Music of the Post - copeland