***** There is a reason that The Paramount Theatre has a series called “The Bold Series” that is presented across the street at their Copley Theatre. They choose plays that will shake you up, make you think and often reanalyze the choices in life that we take ( or have taken). The current production, “True West” is over 40 years old, and yet, what Sam Shepard wrote makes sense, even today. Think of sibling rivalry and family conflicts. If you are an only child, this particular experience has no bearing in your life. If you are the middle child, you probably grew up trying to compete with the number one ( always the best of the best) and the “baby” ( who can do no wrong). In Shepard’s story we have two such  brothers.

Austin ( a powerful performance by Jack Ball) is a writer and would be considered “the good son”. He is working on a script that he is hopeful to sell, and is taking care of his mother’s house in California while she is in Alaska. We spend all of the play in the kitchen of this house ( the set by  Lauren M. Nichols is wonderful and very realistic). Austin’s older brother, Lee ( played to perfection by Ben Page) has been estranged from him and their family for some time. He shows up when he needs something ( drugs, booze or whatever). This is one of those times.

As it turns out, Austin is set to meet with Saul Kimmer (deftly handled by Joshua L. Green) about his project, but Lee decides to pitch his wild life story to the man. They decide to play golf and during the match, Lee makes a bet with Saul, which he wins. The prize is to forgo his brothers movie idea for his own. Saul does offer the writing role to Austin at a hefty salary, but Austin, feeling betrayed says no. What transpires from this point forward is the true sibling rivalry that is probably more than any of us ever experienced. Oh, yes, I didn’t mention that they have a father who is somewhere and probably drunk.

This amazingly told story is directed by Jim Corti and I must say that Shepard would love every minute of this sharp production. The two brothers do go at it, both verbally and physically ( the fight choreography by John Tovar is dynamic and at times a wee bit scary). The props person ( Ivy Thomas) has assembled a stupendous amount of kitchen items, in particular toasters ( you will love what this turns out to be). Each of these men tries to outdo the other and when one does something the other tries to one-up.

The final scenes of the play are both scary with what appears to be one killing the other and with their mother ( a wonderful, albeit small role, played just right by Caron Buinis) in the room. She decides to  leave the house and let them work it out. Do they? Will they? I think each of us will draw their own conclusion. I will tell you that you will laugh, you will think and you will love this production.

I drove on a very crowded toll road in spite of all the weather warnings issued because I wanted to see what Corti would do with this play. I am so glad I did. Two amazing actors giving two amazing character studies. Wow! It was worth the trip!

” True West” will continue thru – Aug 31st with performances as follows: