IU graduate student playwright creates "Reel" success

The glitzy world of Hollywood came to life in the world premiere of "Reel," which opened Friday at the Wells-Metz Theatre. Written by IU graduate student Paul Shoulberg and produced by the Department of Theatre and Drama, "Reel" is a play that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the search for love on a Hollywood film set. \nThe crew is stuck on a love scene in a new movie. Oscar-winner Alex, played by graduate student Matthew Buffalo, and Hollywood newbie Kendra, played by senior Malia Tilden, cannot seem to capture the love that Gordon, their famous director, is looking for. Gordon, played by senior Ross Matsuda, is under pressure from the studio to finish, but he refuses to quit until the scene is perfected. Maura, played by graduate student Allison Moody, is a butch, no-nonsense camerawoman who is more concerned with aesthetics than accurately conveying love. At the bottom of the Hollywood hierarchy is Eli the gaffer, played by sophomore Michael Aguirre, and his errand-running fiance Wynne, junior Melanie Derleth. Eli is convinced that he is about to make his screenwriting debut and unintentionally pushes Wynne away.\nBuffalo did a remarkable job of portraying the self-absorbed, heartless Alex, who, because he is upset that he is doing poorly in the film, ends up destroying not only the movie, but Eli and Wynne's relationship as well. Buffalo's exaggerated diction and stereotypically actor-like behavior resulted in many laughs throughout the night. \nMoody gave a strong performance, nailing Maura's strut and sarcastic facial expressions. She simultaneously mastered her character's breakdown as she gave in to love. \nThere is another notable member of this small cast: Shoulberg's writing. The lines are fast-paced and witty, and Shoulberg has no reservations about using the "F" word. \nShoulberg's ability to write how people actually speak makes the audience feel like they are actually setting in on the set, witnessing the breakdown of each individual. As the play progresses from lighthearted to heavy, Shoulberg's writing creates distinct feelings for the audience. By the end of the show, it was easy to loathe Alex, sympathize with Wynne and want to shake some sense into Eli. \nShoulberg's ability to engage the viewer is a key sign of his playwriting talent, which he already exhibited in six full-length plays, two one-acts, a screenplay and many 10-minute plays he has written in his mere two years at IU, according to a program biography.\n"Reel" is an excellent contemporary piece, furthered by the fact that it is written by one of IU's own aspiring playwrights. The cast works together famously, and it is surprisingly easy to get caught up in the realistic Hollywood world of "Reel." \n"Reel" will be playing at 7:30 p.m. today through Dec. 9 at the Wells-Metz Theatre. Tickets are $13 to $16 and can be purchased at the IU Auditorium Box Office or through Ticketmaster and Ticketmaster.com. Student rush tickets for $10 are available the day of each show with a valid IU student ID. Visit www.indiana.edu/~thtr for more information.