The sequel to the Tony-nominated play reasons to be pretty continues at the Chicago theatre through Oct. 12.
Directed by Profiles artistic director Darrell W. Cox, the cast features ensemble member Eric Burgher as Greg along with guest artists Dennis Bisto (Letters Home, In the Company of Men), Domenica Cameron-Scorsese (Franny's Way, Tony and Tina's Wedding) and Sarah Loveland (The Wonderful World of Dissocia, Design for Living).
"Reasons to Be Happy is the companion piece to Neil LaBute's widely praised, 2009 Tony-nominated reasons to be pretty, a long running hit at Profiles in 2011," press notes state. "Three years after a contentious break-up, Steph and Greg wonder if they can make a fresh go of it. Trouble is, she's married to someone else and he's just embarked on a relationship with Steph's best friend, Carly – a single mom whose jealous ex-husband, Kent, has trouble articulating his feelings. Navigating the rocky landscape of conflicting agendas and exploding emotions isn't going to be easy for any of them. Reasons to Be Happy, a funny, surprising, and poignant new comedy, explores the choices and sacrifices we make in the pursuit of that often elusive ideal – happiness."
"I'm very excited to have Profiles be one of the first companies in the country to take on the second chapter in the Reasons saga," LaBute said in a pervious statement. "They have been such great collaborators over the years and if feels like home to have Darrell and Joe spearheading this effort to bring another of my stories to their stage. Chicago is such an important and vital part of the American theater and I have my own roots deeply planted in that world. I can't wait to have all the artists involved with Reasons to Be Happy tell this story. I am a lucky man indeed."
Reasons to Be Happy marks Profiles Theatre's 11th premiere by LaBute. Previous productions of LaBute's work at Profiles include the American premiere of In a Forest, Dark and Deep and Midwest premieres of Wrecks, The Mercy Seat and Fat Pig as well as the world premiere of his revised stage version of In the Company of Men. The creative team includes Shaun Renfro (set), Claire Chrzan (lights), Jeffrey Levin (sound and original music) and Raquel Adorno (costumes).
Call (773) 549-1815 or visit profilestheatre.org for more information.