By John Cariani

NC State University Theatre

Direction: Mia Self

Lighting Design: Joshua Reaves

Costume Design: Laura J. Parker

Photos: Ron Foreman

“Director Mia Self and her team went way outside the box, and have conceptualized something truly imaginative, yet staggeringly simple: an IKEA-style furniture showroom. Each vignette is staged in a different room: bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, living room, etc.

This stroke of theatrical genius is perfect in three ways: (1) it eliminates the need for blocky set changes; (2) it provides a cohesive structure to an otherwise random assortment of stories; and (3) it is extraordinary to look at. Many small touches and bits of business maintain the “showroom” concept throughout the production. The team shines light on some other norms of suburban romance: home-buying, designing a new life, the cookie-cutter nature with which relationships are often approached — written about — and American consumer culture.” -Dustin K. Britt (Triangle Arts and Entertainment)