True West

Brian Osborne & Jeb Keager

Theatre Exile is presenting Sam Shepard’s True West at Play and Player’s Theatre, 1714 Delancey Streets through February 23.  Sam Shepard is known for his dark comedy and while some might question the abundance of this production's comic moments, no one can deny that it is dark. Jeb Kreager portrays Austin, an ivy-league educated screenwriter and Brian Osborne plays his n’er-do-well brother Lee. Sad, tragic, even horrific are words which come to mind before comic.  When Austin is house-sitting to take care of his mother’s plants while she is on vacation, his long-lost brother Lee arrives.  Although leery of his brother at first, Austin does everything he can to win his favor. Jeb Kreager’s acting consistently portrays the laid-back brother who lets very little ruffle him.  Brian Osborne’s character is very much of a hot-head and his actions become more convincing as the play progresses.  E. Ashley Izard portrays the boy’s mom and if Shepard wanted her to be a vapid character, she has nailed it.  If you are a fan of Sam Shepard’s work, you should see this production while it is still in town.  For more information or tickets, call 215-690-4065 or visit online at www.theatreexile.org.