A comedy emphasizing sex, love and the exchanging of apartment keys intrigued crowds this weekend.
Presented by Penn State's No Refund Theatre, "Key Exchange" was performed for free 8 p.m. Friday and at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday in Forum 111.
The play, originally written by Kevin Wade, was director Rebecca Kelley's first time directing for NRT.
The romantic comedy told the story of two men and one woman who meet every weekend on the bike paths of New York City's Central Park, navigating their way through both bike trails and relationships.
Each of the nine scenes in the play occurs on a summer weekend on the bike path.
The common interest of the three begins as cycling, assistant director Brian Gutierrez said. Yet there is much more to their story.
Character Philip is an aspiring novelist, played by Connor McElwee, who Kelley (senior-dance) said "likes sex without commitment."
Philip is in a casual relationship with Lisa, a photographer. Philip characterizes his dating life by saying that he "likes to have his cake and his cupcake too."
Lisa, played by Keirstyn Marcucci, wants to take the couple's relationship to the next level by exchanging apartment keys, only to have their relationship fall apart when she brings it up.
"Key Exchange" meanwhile tells the tragic story of Michael (Andrew Baglini), a recently married copywriter, who is questioning spending his life with one woman and her limited "arsenal" of underwear.
Soon into the marriage, his wife runs away with a composer she works with, leaving Michael to question his relationship and whether or not he should get back together with his wife when she eventually returns.
At one point in the play, newly single Philip and Michael take to the bars to meet women. Michael claims he is awkward at meeting women, to which Philip says it'll come back to him -- "like riding bike."
Gutierrez (sophomore-nuclear engineering) said the play showcased a way for students to "learn about themselves."
Kelley said the three-person cast began rehearsal in August, and the play focuses on freedom versus commitment -- a struggle well-known to students.
"I found it relatable," audience member Erin Ferry said.
Ferry (freshman-hospitality) said she loved the performance Saturday night.
"I thought it was awesome," she said.
Chloe Rabinowitz was also in the audience Saturday night and said she thought the actors did a really good job.
"Clearly they rehearsed a lot," Rabinowitz (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies) said.
The performance marked the third play in the 2012 NRT fall season.
Next in the season is "Dog Sees God," by Elizabeth Ross, on Oct. 26 and Oct. 27.
