WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Gamma Rays is unique because it gives us five strong female roles, full of stark honesty and without sexual stereotypes. Though it is a bizarre story (see title), it is one that the audience can relate to: girl finds solace and escape from reality in her books and studies. Sound familiar to anyone?

THE BUZZ: With so many impressive female actors participating in Harvard student theatre, it is a special treat to have so many brought together to dominate the same stage in a play centered on women. Jump(India Song), Jamie Smith (Much Ado About Nothing), Hanna Stotland (Laughter on the 23rd Floor), Dale Shuger (Androcles and the Lion), and Carrie-Anne DeDeo (The Merchant of Venice) all bring considerable theatre repertoires to their challenging roles.

Starring: Anne Jump, Jamie Smith, Hanna Stotland, Dale Shuger, Carrie-Anne DeDeo

Simpatico

October 22-30

Loeb Mainstage

Written by Sam Shepard

Directed by Jesse Kellerman

Produced by Ali Davis & Wes Shih

THE PREMISE: A black comedy set in the thouroughbred racing world of the American West, Simpatico is a play of betrayal and caustic wit. Pulitzer Prize-winner Sam Shepard uses his biting humor to expose the sleazy society of the high rollers and their hilarious confrontation with the world of white trash.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Fresh from last year's acclaimed American Buffalo, director Jesse Kellerman, costume designer Lauren Winkler and set designer John Gordon are teaming up again to bring renowned playwright Sam Shepard back to student theater. Simpatico joins a team of designers that has worked together before and an amazing cast with proven talent.

THE BUZZ: This play is not only the first Shepard play to be done at Harvard in at least three to four years, but it is also a city-wide Boston premiere of Simpatico. Sam Shepard has won enough drama awards, not to mention a Pulitzer, to make his return to Harvard something to be excited about.

Starring: Blake Lawit, David Modigliani, Catherine Gowl, Michael Davidson, Elizabeth Janiak, Sarah Porter