Neil LaBute’s “reasons to be pretty,” is a love story about the impossibility of love that targets America’s obsession with physical beauty.

Elliott Brest, a Tonganoxie junior, plays the part of Kent.

A romantic and adult play, “reasons to be pretty” explores the hopelessness of romance in the 21st century. It earned its author and original cast numerous awards, including a Tony Award nomination for Best Play in 2008. A sequel to the play, “Reasons to Be Happy,” enjoyed a celebrated off-Broadway run last spring starring Jenna Fisher (The Office).

The show opened Tuesday. It will start at 7:30 p.m. nightly through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Ronald Q. Frederickson Theatre, Emporia.