‘True
West’ was written by Sam Shepard in 1980, and yet his understanding of family
dynamics and the volatility of stage and screen producers, allows this play to
burst from the page decades later when his characters are portrayed with
boundless energy and charisma. What makes them all the more believable is when passionate,
seasoned actors are partnered with a visionary director to present a realistic
look at a tumultuous relationship. That is what I have found with Hub Theatre
Company of Boston’s production of ‘True West’.
Bob
Mussett plays Austin, a respectable, ambitious screenwriter tirelessly working
on the script that will make him a household name. But when his older brother
Lee shows up unannounced, to say Austin gets distracted would be an
understatement. Lee, played by Victor Shopov, is a heavy drinking nomadic thief,
who gets an unforeseen break that could turn his life around. It may send his
brother into downward spiral, but Lee doesn’t seem too concerned about the
havoc he is wreaking on Austin’s life. The
brotherly chemistry between Mussett and Shopov is believable from the start.
The tension between them builds then spills over the edge a few times during
the course of the play. It finally overflows as the lights dim on the last
moments of the production. This careful balance of emotional and physical
turmoil was skillfully directed by Daniel Bourque. He had previously directed
the pair in Hub Theatre’s ‘Art’ a few years back and it was a smart choice to
put them together once again for ‘True West’. Their portrayals of Austin and
Lee were authentic and unpredictably funny.
The
cast also included Robert Orzalli as Saul, a sleazy Hollywood Executive who
toys with the brothers’ futures and seems to enjoy it a bit too much. Orzalli’s
performance was the perfect blend of greasy, intimidating mob boss & high
powered business executive. The audience could not get enough of him. Austin
and Lee’s Mom was portrayed by Maureen Adduci who comes home to find her
kitchen not exactly how she left it. Though she appeared late in the show, her
interaction with Austin and Lee was well received.
The
audience couldn’t stop laughing for most of this 90 minute, immensely enjoyable
production. ‘True West’ is being performed through April 28th at
First Church Boston located at 66 Marlborough Street, Boston, MA. For more information and tickets visit http://www.hubtheatreboston.org/. Tickets for
all shows are set as “pay-what-you-can”; so why not invite your siblings for a
night out and a few laughs. By the end of this play you may realize your
sibling relationship, when compared to Lee and Austin, is relatively normal. ©
