LABUTED

So glad I saw the OFT production of Neil LaBute’s “Fat Pig” last night at Furman.

LaBute’s blistering comedy purports to be a satire about female body image, but seems more deeply interested in the whys and hows related to choosing who it is we will love.

The entire cast is stellar, but Mary Beth Smith as “Helen” is outstanding. Any female actor willing to sit, stand, lie, and make out onstage as LaBute’s eponymous heroine is ready to tackle anything. Mary Beth’s two-foot leap into the role is a test-proof for her own viability as a professional actor.

I think this college kid can make it, frankly. And I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Hats off to the entire company. Self-producing is hard work when you’re a full-time university student. And it’s brave, too. No professors to blame if all falls apart.