Growing Stage, a student-run production company, took a risk when they accepted Chris Ferreira's bid to direct True West. This play was written by Sam Shepard, a man known for his twisted plays such as Buried Child. On Fri. March 1 the audience was sparse as we settled down to take a journey together.
The beautiful thing about Growing Stage is that they use the Little Theatre, a tiny black box theatre, this helps make the experience between actor and audience more intimate. Another great thing about this group is that it allows new directors to pick riskier shows that aren't that popular.
True West tells the story of two brothers who could not be more different. One writes screen plays while the other steals electronics from people's homes. Through out the play their roles change. Lee becomes a screenwriter while his brother, Austin unwinds and starts to steal things, like toasters. Through this we get to know these two men on a fairly intimate level.
The set was very realistic. I felt like I was sitting in the kitchen of my Grandma's house. The costumes were also very appropriate for this play. I also have to say I was impressed with the make-up. Candice Sampson (mom) did look older than she actually is.
The original cast was supposed to actually have two real life brothers in it, Paul Savaugeau II and Ian Savaugeau that would have been a really interesting thing to witness. Sadly, Ian had taken ill and was replaced by the director Chris Ferreira. It was clear that they did not rehearse as much as they wanted to but with the little time they had they did an excellent job. Adriano Cabral who played Saul did an excellent job of portraying a sleazy movie producer.
There was a couple of prop issues that bothered me but in the long run or minute. I think that instead of using a fake candle a real one should have been used. Also the cigarettes they were "smoking" were never lit. They should have at the very least gotten fake ones or burnt the ends for illusion. The toasters that were stolen were also mysteriously plugged into a giant extension chord that must be trailing through the neighborhood Austin stole them from.
Other than those few small problems I enjoyed the play and this production of it. It is nice to see people taking risks in their production choices. Everyone involved should be very proud of themselves. It's a shame more people did not have the pleasure of witnessing True West.
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