Upcoming play set to challenge audience

Azi Carter, [email protected]

“Do you or a loved one have false ideas about a social issue? You may need a reality check,” according to actor Gregory Kubik-Boyd, part of the ensemble of actors in the student written play, “Reality Check.”

The play was written specifically for the community to address many uncomfortable social issues.

“Each issue or conflict was researched in depth while the play was being written,” explained Kubik-Boyd. “Schizophrenia was researched, many people hear the word and think a crazy person, often that is not the case.”

“Reality Check” is a comedic production designed to provoke thought by challenging the audience to rethink pre-conceived perceptions and attitudes toward various social issues.

“This show has been very challenging, compared to past shows,”said stage manager Pricilla Rodriquez  who was part of the Drama 914 Ensemble, that wrote portions of the play.

  Last year, Rodriquez was a lead actor in Boeing Boeing.

“As an actor, “Reality Check “ would have been a great play to perform in because of all the different and very diverse characters,” she said.

Costume Designer Nicole McGraw has designed all costumes  for LMC productions for the last two years.  McGraw can be found  Monday and Wednesday evenings in the green room with her spreadsheet in hand, navigating over 80 costume changes for this production. It’s old hat for a seasoned designer who began her designing career at age 15. This production is keeping her on top of her game with the most costume changes, of any LMC production thus far.

The actors have formed a sense of of camaraderie, developing from the summer class when they researched and wrote the play, through casting and now the final preparations before curtain call.

“The cast hangs out during breaks sharing lots of laughs, said Kubik-Boyd, “keeping things fun and exciting.” This is his second production as he dubuted in Death and Silence in the Spring .

If you love theater, this is a production you don’t want to miss, complete with a host of cast members, costumes and a great learning experience that is bound to challenge you.  Get your tickets early to get a good seat. “Reality Check” debuts in two weeks at the California Theater in downtown Pittsburg. Opening night is Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and continues Dec. 7, 8, and 9, at 7 p.m.  Admission is $15  $12 with student ID/Military ID, and $10 for those with middle school or high school ID. The Box Office is located at 351 Railroad Ave Pittsburg, CA 94565, (925) 427-11611 www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre. Box office is open Tuesday through Friday from noon- to 5 p.m.and one hour before show time.