Review: HotCity Theatre's Tense Production of TRUE WEST

HotCity Theatre continues to provide St. Louis with a mix of new plays and modern classics, and actor/playwright Sam Shepard's True West is their latest foray in these areas. Considered to be one of Shepard's more accessible works, True West is a fascinating look at sibling rivalry, and it also takes some entertaining jabs at the Hollywood blockbuster mentality, which has only grown worse since this play premiered in 1980. HotCity's production is distinguished by an excellent cast and sparkling direction that consistently engages.

Austin is house sitting for his mother who's on vacation in Alaska, and trying to finish up a treatment for a screenplay he's hoping to sell to a movie producer named Saul, when his older brother Lee shows up unexpectedly. Lee's a bit of a drifter and a thief, and it's clear from the onset that these two are not on good terms at all. Though, Austin makes every attempt to placate his brother, Lee is a difficult person who seems to delight in tormenting his younger sibling. To add insult to injury, he usurps Austin's position with Saul, telling the producer about an idea for a modern western he has, which Saul ends up taking on while discarding Austin's project entirely. In an interesting twist, the pair seem to switch roles, with Lee struggling to write down his ideas, and Austin preparing to burgle the ritzy neighborhood. When their mother arrives home early the situation takes an even darker turn.

Scott McMaster (Austin) and Kevin Crowley (Lee) are very well cast in their respective roles, and the tension that's palpable during their initial encounter only seems to ratchet up as the story progresses. Both deserve kudos for their work here, with Crowley providing a deliberate sense of menace, while McMaster attempts to keep the peace, even though he's fed up with Lee's constant bullying.

In support, Alan Knoll embodies the very essence of a soulless producer who seems more interested in the art of the deal than in producing something of quality. Nancy Lewis is also strong as their mother, and it's particularly amusing to see Lee's reaction when she suddenly shows up.

Doug Finalyson's direction is impeccable drawing sharp performances from his cast while he keeps the tension mounting throughout. Jim Burwinkel's scenic design conjures up a completely believable kitchen, and his lighting neatly frames the drama. Scott Breihan's costumes are nice fits for each of the characters, neatly delineating each of them.

HotCity Theatre's production of True West is an open-ended triumph, fascinating and frustrating in equal measure (but in a good way).The show continues through February 19, 2011 at the Kranzberg Arts Center.

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