Reasons to be Pretty

Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
Geffen Playhouse
Through August 31

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Photo by Michael Lamont

So, a guy makes an unkind remark about his longtime, live-in girlfriend’s looks during an informal gathering, she gets wind of it, and his life gets tossed in the blender. Men behaving badly — and sometimes nastily — are nothing new to playwright Neil LaBute; neither is his curious fixation on arbitrary norms of beauty, which emerges in some of his other plays, and pops up here yet again.

In this sprightly comedy, the fireworks start in a profanity-drenched opening scene, where Steph (Amber Tamblyn) is tearing into milquetoast Greg (Shawn Hatosy) like a ravenous shark into a seal, for his “indiscreet remark,” which we subsequently learn was uttered over some beers with his bullying, narcissistic co-worker Kent (Nick Gehlfuss). Kent’s wife Carly (Alycia Witt), is Steph’s close friend.

It comes as no surprise who ratted Greg out, or the resultant foofaraw that impacts both couples (even though the remark wasn’t really that insulting), but what is truly commanding and remarkable is the robust humanity LaBute imparts on these characters: Greg, in particular, gradually grows a spine, at laststanding up to the sickeningly obnoxious Kent, and beating the shit out of him before the company softball game.

This is the LaBute at his most engaging. The dialogue is gritty, incisive, and packed with thorny humor. Randall Arney’s powerful and sharp-witted staging is anchored by equally fine performances. Takeshi Kata’s well-crafted assortment of sets roll on and off stage with uncanny precision.

Geffen Playhouse, 10866 LeConte Ave., Wstwd.; Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat. 3 & 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 & 7 p.m.; through Aug. 31. (310) 208-5454, geffenplayhouse.com