The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute Opens at Adelphi University from November 16 to 21, 2010

Award-winning director and Adelphi University alumnus, Andrew Block '96 directs Neil Labute's comedy-drama, The Shape of Things.  Presented by the University's Department of Theatre, performances in the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center (AU PAC), Black Box Theatre begin Tuesday, November 16 through Sunday, November 21, 2010.  

Andrew Block recently produced and directed the critically-acclaimed Lost and Found by John Pollono in the 2010 New York International Fringe Festival, which was invited to the FringeNYC Encore series at the historic off-Broadway Lucille Lortel Theatre. This year, he directed Pollono's Illuminati and Grace for the 2010 Network One-Act Festival, winning Best Play and Best Director awards. He has directed shows around the country, especially Los Angeles. A native of New Orleans, Mr. Block is a graduate of the Adelphi University Department of Theatre, as well as an MFA graduate of DePaul University.

The Shape of Things premièred in London in 2001 directed by LaBute himself with a cast that included Paul Rudd who reprised the role in the 2003 film version. The first of what is sometimes referred to as LaBute's "Beauty Trilogy," The Shape of Things is an exploration of art and intimacy, and people's willingness to do things for love. It is set in a small university town in the Midwest, and centers on the lives of four young students who become emotionally and romantically involved with each other. According to the playwright, "One of the many loose themes behind the 'beauty' trilogy is the ugliness that we're capable of spreading to other people in our lives and relationships if we're not careful."

Tickets for this play are now available and are only $7 or $15, and may be purchased online, by phone, or at the AU PAC Box Office. To learn more about AU PAC's 2010-2011 season, please visit aupac.adelphi.edu or call the AU PAC Box Office at (516) 877-4000.

About Adelphi University: Adelphi University, chartered in 1896, was the first institution of higher education for the liberal arts and sciences on Long Island. Through its schools and programs—The College of Arts and Sciences, Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Honors College, Ruth S. Ammon School of Education, University College, and the Schools of Business, Nursing, and Social Work—the co-educational university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional and educational programs for adults. Adelphi University currently enrolls nearly 8,000 students from 41 states and 60 foreign countries. With its main campus in Garden City and centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie, the University maintains a commitment to liberal studies in tandem with rigorous professional preparation and active citizenship.