The OLLU Drama Department and the 24th Street Players are at it again with their latest performance of the play “The Shape of Things,” which opened March 21 at the 24th Street Theatre.

“The Shape of Things,” written by playwright, screenwriter and film director Neil Labute, takes place at a liberal arts college in a conservative Midwestern town. It chronicles the story of the dorky Adam and the hip Evelyn, two students who meet at the beginning of the semester in the university museum.

Opening night for the play was fantastic.  The play began as Adam (Eric Trevino) and Evelyn (Racine Medina), along with supporting characters Phillip (Matthew Ruiz-Bohr) and Jenny (Ashley Trevino) walked onto the dimly lit stage chanting the words “the shape of things.”

The repetitive chanting turned out to be the transitional tool between scenes, each time ending in the name of the location of the upcoming scene. 

The first couple of scenes showed the development of the relationship between Adam and Evelyn, and, at the same time, Evelyn seemed to be changing Adam both physically and emotionally.  Phillip, Adam’s friend, and Evelyn do not get along as a result of a discussion over damage done to a statue in the university museum.

At the same time, the audience learns that Jenny, Phillip’s girlfriend, and Adam were once attracted to each other, but Phillip ended up asking Jenny out first.

The attraction and dislike between the various characters drive the play, and it provides for dialogue that is both strong yet funny at times. Add that to a wonderful set design, which includes a black-and-white square pattern across the floor, and strong lighting, and you get a play that is visually powerful.

Noteworthy was the production’s use of the stage projector during the play. The projector was used in two scenes. However, during the second time the play experienced technical difficulties with the projector, but Medina was able to recover and proceeded smoothly with her performance.

Trevino’s performance was also nicely done. He made you believe in him and sympathize with his situation.

Overall, “The Shape of Things” keeps your attention throughout the play, and it turned out to be another excellent production from the OLLU Drama Department and the 24th Street Players.