I attended a performance of JackHeifner’s “Vanities” in the Helen M. Mallette Studio Theatre Sept. 27.

The three-act play, set in the 1960-70s, follows three young women, Kathy (Rayn Miller), Joanne (LillyBea Ireland) and Mary (Jade Griffy), from high school cheerleaders to sorority sisters and finally into later adulthood. 

“Vanities” is witty yet emotional and follows these three women as they experience social expectations, complex friendships, liberation and identity crises. 

The USI production of “Vanities” was well executed from my viewpoint, with outstanding performances from the three cast members who embodied their characters well, as well as the simple and effective set design and costumes and the attention to detail enhanced the experience. 

Walking into the Malette Studio Theater, I was taken aback by how small it was. 

I knew it would be small, but I didn’t expect to feel so close to the stage. However, after sitting for a while, and once the performance started, it enhanced my experience to feel so close and involved. 

Additionally, as soon as I sat down, I noticed the curtain in the background of the stage was sheer, and behind it were three vanities, one for each actress/character.

I appreciated the attention to detail. The actresses were already in character, getting ready at their vanities, and music from the ’60s was playing over the speakers. 

My first impression was of excitement and anticipation for the performance to come. 

The set consisted of four wooden boxes, easily moveable by two stage managers. It was an interesting set and a good choice, as the four boxes could be transformed for the three scenes.

In the first scene, the boxes were set up as bleachers or benches in a high school gym. Then they were changed to be a college bedroom, with comforters placed on the bigger boxes and lamps brought out for decoration. 

Finally, they were transformed into a table and chairs for a tea party. Changing the set between each act took only about five minutes, so it was very efficient. 

The costumes were also simple yet effective, and Mary’s outfits were especially eye-catching and well-suited to her character. The other costumes were simple but fit the time they were portraying, especially the cheerleading outfits. 

The actresses embodied their respective characters exceptionally, superbly taking on the accents of the Texan women. 

Ireland’s performance stood out to me, as her character had a few comedic lines, and the crowd laughed and was engaged each time. She also spoke with a Southern accent very well for the duration of the play, which was beneficial to understanding the story. 

Griffy performed well, but I noticed her accent fading as the acts progressed, and I couldn’t tell if it was intentional or accidental. However, if it was accidental, it took nothing away from the performance. 

Having only three cast members, I think each did very well with their vocal control and pitch and had few or no “slip-ups” regarding their lines.

The USI production of “Vanities” portrayed friendship, self-discovery and the pressures of society.

With its minimal and efficient set, well-chosen costumes and strong performances by Griffy, Miller and Ireland, the play effectively displayed the changing lives and experiences of the three women. 

Overall, “Vanities” at USI was a well-executed production that allowed its viewers to reflect on the heartfelt, emotional and comedic moments and feel connected to the story and characters. 

I look forward to the next production from USI Theater.