Theatre stages "True West"

  Thursday, February 28, 2013 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

The Pittsburg State University Theatre will present the Tony-Award-Nominated play, “True West,” by playwright Sam Shepard Feb. 28 through March 3 in the PSU Studio Theatre. Curtain time will be 8 p.m. each day, except for Sunday, March 3, which will be a 2 p.m. matinee. (Note: This performance includes strong language.)

“True West” is a comedy about two brothers: Lee, a drifter, and Austin, a screenwriter, who come to believe that switching places is the only way to find out who they truly are.

Director Gil Cooper said the production features a strong cast of five performers. Cooper said he chose to double cast the role of Austin in order to explore the illusion of what is true to life.

“The double casting provides two different interpretations of the brother’s relationship,” Cooper said.

Robert Wilson will play Austin on Thursday and Saturday. Rashid Fielder-Bey will play Austin on Friday and Sunday.  Older brother Lee will be performed by Austin Curtright. Jacob Hacker and Taylor Patterson top off the cast as Saul and Mom.

Other members of the company include set designer and technical director Doug Bennett, costume designer Lisa Quinteros, and properties manager Amie Beggs, who is in charge of a massive number of props.

Cooper said the production has been described as a true-to-life comedy about two brothers trying to live true to life.

“I think this production will keep audiences smiling and thinking many days after the performance,” Cooper said.

Tickets are $10 for the public, $6 for persons under 17 or over 65, and free to PSU students, faculty, and staff with a valid PSU photo I.D. To purchase tickets, call the PSU Ticket Office at 620-235-4796 or purchase tickets at the door starting approximately 30 minutes before each performance.