Ignition Theatre continues its 2011/2012 season with the Tony-nominated play reasons to be pretty by Neil Labute. The play will run Feb. 9-11 and 14-18 at The Red Deer Memorial Centre in the Nickle Studio. Curtain is 7:30 p.m. nightly.

A love story about the impossibility of love, reasons to be pretty introduces us to Greg, who really, truly adores his girlfriend. Unfortunately, he also thinks she has a few physical imperfections, and when he casually mentions them, all hell breaks loose.

“We’re thrilled to revisit the mind of Neil Labute who brought us tremendous success with The Shape of Things two seasons ago. No playwright has a better understanding of the modern day human condition than Mr. Labute or communicates it with such wit, bravery and honesty. Our cast, half of which are making their professional debuts, have been lights out as they navigate the subtleties required to make a shot like this pop. This is a stripped down theatrical experience where the text and performances are the paramount focus and I trust our audiences will have a lot to talk about on their way home from the theatre,” said director Matt Grue.

The cast features Ryan Mattila, who has previously been seen in It’s a Wonderful Life and Dog Sees God, Matt Dale, who also played in It’s a Wonderful Life and Niahm Taylor and Sarah Hemphill who are both making their Ignition debuts.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for students and seniors. Charge by phone 403-341-6500 and online at www.ignitiontheatre.ca. Tickets will also be available at the door pending availability.

The play carries a discretionary warning for coarse language and mature themes. Discretion is advised.

For more information, please visit Ignition Theatre online at www.ignitiontheatre.ca.

– Fawcett