Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) and American Apparel took center stage as hipsters took over Vonnie Borden Theatre during the performance of “Who the F@#k is Dan Smith? or a hipster ballet,” by Michael Bradley.
The performances, which took place from April 25 to April 28 at 7:30 p.m., were energetic and lively, drawing raucous laughter from the audience.
“The actors have done such a great job. They have come so far from where they were on day one,” said Stage Manager Lydia Caballero. “Overall, I think it was a great show. The audience was very receptive.”

The play follows a group of hipsters in the burrow of Hipsteria. Two of the hipsters, Travis, played by Colby Bankston, a sophomore social studies education major, and Dennis, played by Matthew Kozel, are working in their coffee shop hitting on girls and having normal everyday conversations. Suddenly, the illusive and mysterious Dan Smith, played by Jesse Brooks, a junior mass communications major, walks into the shop, sparking a night that neither of the two expected.
“He’s the ominous Christ-type figure of the show,” said Caballero.
While Smith is the main character in the play, the cast was truly an ensemble. There really is no one person who carries the show. The comedy of the play is based on the relationships between all the characters. It is the interaction and dialogue between characters that really makes the play engaging and enjoyable.
Travis, for instance, is the guy at the party who hits on every girl in the room. His interaction with the female characters lends itself to some truly laughable moments.
“I don’t really know how this reflects on myself, but I really feel a lot of Travis is me,” said Bankston about his character. “When I first read the show right before auditions, I really thought I could bring a lot to it.”
Another relationship that takes center stage is the one between Dennis and Lizzie, played by Sarah Roper, a freshman general studies major. Lizzie is the troubled soul of the play, but her fortunes turn around when she meets Dennis.
“This is the first play I’ve ever been in. It’s been a challenge to learn how to be the complete opposite of what I really am. I had to learn how to snort cocaine, smoke a cigarette and cuss,” said Roper. “My character is the most serious of the show. I don’t have a lot of funny parts so I give her a little humor to make her likeable.”
Bradley, the playwright of the play­­, flew from New York to watch the play during Wednesday’s performance. According to Caballero, he was pleased with seeing his work on stage.
“He seemed really into it. He seemed like he was really proud of everything he had done and a little bit awed at seeing his work on stage,” said Caballero.
Shiloh Klein, a Southeastern alumna who brought her unique flavor to the production, directed the play. The actors in the production expressed positive thoughts regarding the guest director’s process.
“Working with Shiloh was an interesting experience,” said Bankston. “She’s very knowledgeable of the professional world. She’s done a really good job of preparing us for what’s outside of Southeastern Theatre.”
“Who the F@#k is Dan Smith?” was the final play of the 2011-2012 theatre season. For more information on the upcoming theatre season and plays, visit www.selu.edu/theatre.