Ed Herendeen is directing the staged readings of three plays by critically-acclaimed playwright Neil LaBute. Some Girl(s), Reasons to Be Pretty, and The Mercy Seatwill be read in reparatory from March 22 31 on Shepherd’s campus in the Studio Theater at Sara Cree Hall.

A rotating repertory of three plays by the critically acclaimed playwright, filmmaker, and fiction writer, Neil LaBute. The dark prince of American Theater brings his fierce, disturbing energy to the Shepherd University stage with three Stage Readings. His rapid fire dialogue vividly captures provocative moments of conflicta theatrical mix of sympathy and savagery, pathos and power.

Neil LaBute has been described as “the most legitimately provocative and polarizing playwright at work today,” by The New York Magazine; “Like a chiropractor of the soul. LaBute is looking for realignment, listening for a crack,” by Elle Magazine; and “[he] will make you squirm in your seat. It’s theater without novocaine,” by The Journal News.

The acting ensemble includes: Sonya Evanisko, a Shepherd University graphic design professor; Sean Murphy II, a Computer Information Science major from Middletown, Md.; Brenna Ross, a Music major from Waynesboro, Pa.; Caity See, a Mass Communications major from Moorefield; Ryan Smith, a Mass Communications major from Columbia, Md.; Bryan Staggers, a Mass Communications major from Keyser; Laiken Summerson, an Elementary Education major from Inwood; and Eileen Waggoner, a Political Science major from Hedgesville. Set design is by Patrick Wallace. and costume design is by Christina Smith.

Tickets are free. The Box Office opens one hour before curtain on a first come, first serve basis; there are no advance reservations. The performances will take place in the Studio Theater in Sara Cree Hall, which is located at 310 North King Street in Shepherdstown, WV. Performances for Reasons to be Prettyare March 28, and 31 at 8 p.m.; Performances for The Mercy Seat are March 23 and 30 at 8 p.m. and March 25 at 2 p.m.; Performances for Some Girl(s) March 24, 27, and 29 at 8 p.m.