Profiles Theatre continues its 2007-2008 Season devoted to the works of acclaimed playwright and filmmaker Neil LaBute, with the Midwest premiere (and American Premiere of this version) of LaBute’s hit play THIS IS HOW IT GOES. The production opens on January 17 and runs through March 2, 2008 at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway, Chicago.

Belinda and Cody Phipps appear to be a typical Midwestern couple: teenage sweethearts, children, luxurious home. Typical except that Cody is black--"rich, black, and different," in the words of Belinda, who finds herself attracted to a former white classmate. As the battle for her affections is waged, Belinda and Cody frankly doubt the foundation of their initial attraction, opening the door wide to a swath of bigotry and betrayal. Staged on continually shifting moral ground that challenges our perceived notions about gender, ethnicity, and even love itself, THIS IS HOW IT GOES unblinkingly explores the myriad ways in which the wild card of race is played by both black and white in America.

The Profiles production of THIS IS HOW IT GOES marks the American premiere of this version of the script. This particular version received its World Premiere at the Donmar Warehouse in London, directed by Moises Kauffman, in May 2005. An earlier version premiered at The Public Theatre in March 2005 featuring Ben Stiller, Amanda Peet and Jeffrey Wright. LaBute calls THIS IS HOW IT GOES "a meditation on truth (the many versions of it that we offer up to different people)" and an exploration of "how racism still affects all of us on a simple, daily level."

This is the third production of Profiles Theatre’s “Season of LaBute” following their acclaimed productions of “Things We Said Today” and “Some Girl(s)”, which was Jeff Recommended and ran for over three months. Last season, Profiles’ production of “Fat Pig” and “autobahn” received unanimous critical acclaim and were also extended multiple times.

The Playwright

Neil LaBute is an acclaimed writer, director and playwright. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree in dramatic writing from New York University and was the recipient of a literary fellowship to study at the Royal Court Theatre. His films include: “In the Company of Men” (New York Critics’ Circle Award for Best First Feature, Filmmakers’ Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival), “Your Friends and Neighbors”, “Nurse Betty”, “Possession”, and “The Shape of Things”, a film adaptation of his play by the same title. His latest film “Wicker Man”, starring Nicolas Cage, was released in September 2006. Plays include: “bash: latter-day plays” (2000); “The Shape of Things” (2001); “The Distance From Here” (2002); “The Mercy Seat” (2002) and “Fat Pig” (2004) which opened at Profiles Theatre in September 2006. His 2005 plays include "Wrecks", “THIS IS HOW IT GOES” (opening at Profiles on January 17, 2008), “autobahn” (produced by Profiles in March 2006) and “Some Girl(s)” which opened at Profiles in September 2006. In June of 2007, MCC premiered his latest play, “In a Dark, Dark House”. LaBute is the author of several fictional pieces that have been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, and Playboy among others.  A collection of his short stories was published by Grove/Atlantic in October 2004.

The Production Team

Profiles Theatre's production of THIS IS HOW IT GOES will be directed by Associate Artistic Director, Darrell W. Cox. Mr. Cox most recently staged “Coax” and the titular piece in Profiles’ acclaimed Midwest premiere of Neil LaBute’s short plays, “Things We Said Today” as well as the highly praised production of Mr. LaBute’s “autobahn.” He has directed numerous productions for Profiles over the years including the Midwest Premieres of “The Radiant Abyss” by Angus MacLachlan and “Wonder of the World” by David Lindsay-Abaire.

Company member Julie Zarlenga is the Assistant Director for THIS IS HOW IT GOES. Ms. Zarlenga was also the Assistant Director for Profiles’ production of “Things We Said Today”. The production team for THIS IS HOW IT GOES includes: Thad Hallstein (Set Design); Ron Seeley (Light Design); Scott Allen Luke (Stage Manager); Myron Elliott, Jr. (Costume Design) Rob Snyder (Techinical Director), Cathy Taylor Public Relations (Publicist); and Profiles Company Member Eric Burgher (Sound Design).

The Cast

The cast of THIS IS HOW IT GOES will feature Profiles' company member Eric Burgher. Mr. Burgher most recently appeared in “Land of the Dead” as part of Profiles’ Midwest premiere of Neil LaBute’s short plays, “Things We Said Today”. Prior to that, he appeared as Carter in Profiles’ Midwest premiere of “Fat Pig”, also by Neil Labute and he received an After Dark Award for Outstanding Ensemble for his performance in “Bench Seat” as part of Profiles’ Midwest premiere of “autobahn”. Eric’s other Profiles credits include Steve in “The Glory of Living”, Steve Enloe in the Midwest premiere of “The Radiant Abyss”, and as Dan in the Midwest premiere of “Noise”.

Sean Nix will be featured as Cody Phipps. Mr. Nix is returning to Profiles, having previously appeared in their acclaimed production of “The Glory of Living” and the World Premiere of “Reparation”. He was most recently seen in “Jitney” at Pegasus Players and in “Blues for an Alabama Sky” at Eclipse Theatre Company. Other credits include “Guantanamo: Honor Bound to Defend Freedom” and “Martin Furey’s Shot” at Timeline Theatre.

Lindsay Schmidt will make her Profiles debut as Belinda Phipps. Ms. Schmidt was most recently seen in “The Clearing” with The Gift Theatre Company and “Red and Black” with Johnny Theatre. She has appeared in several productions with the Atlantic Theatre Company including “The Rimers of Eldritch”, “The Weir” and “Land of the Astronauts”.

The Performance Schedule

THIS IS HOW IT GOES will open on Thursday, January 17, 2008, at 8:00 p.m. Performances will be held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 7:00 p.m., through Sunday, March 2, 2008. Tickets are $30.00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and $25.00 on Thursdays and Sundays. Preview performances will be held January 14, 15 and 16 at 8:00 p.m., with a discounted ticket price of $15.00. Students and Senior Citizens receive a $5.00 discount on all performances and group rates are also available. Paid parking is conveniently located near the theatre. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended by calling (773) 549-1815 or purchase tickets in advance through TicketWeb.