Reviewed by Tony Annicone
GAMM Theatre’s closing show of their 34th season in their new theatre in Warwick is “True West” by Sam Shepard. It was a 1983 Finalist for Pulitzer Prize. “True West” is about a young ambitious writer and his brother who is a drifter and petty thief who has been living in the desert and takes place in 1980 about 40 miles east of Los Angeles. The screenwriter, Austin meets his producer to discuss his script but Austin’s unscrupulous brother, Lee usurps the meeting and hijacks the producer into accepting his “script” about the West which hasn’t even been written yet. Sibling rivalries abound and a certain Cain and Abel dynamic occurs. Complications ensue during a long exposition and talky first act. The meat of this show is seen in the dynamics of Act 2 which eventually explodes in the pent up violence between the two brothers. The awesome fighting is choreographed by Normand Beauregard and leaves the audience mesmerized by it. Director Tony Estrella brings out the best in his four performers. The incredible set is by Michael McGarty and the marvelous mood lighting is by Jeff Adelberg.
Veteran performer Steve Kidd seems very well adjusted as Austin in Act 1 but he slowly descends into malaise as things cave in around him. He starts drinking heavily and does some astounding pratfalls in his drunken state. Kidd’s character really shines in Act 2 when he becomes the bad boy and a thief like his brother while comically stealing many toasters in the neighborhood. A scene where he toasts many slices of bread gives the audience a chance to laugh before the battle of the brothers begins in frightening and realistic earnest.
Anthony Goes also does a terrific job as Lee, the drifter who enjoys stealing TV sets from the neighborhood. He isn’t as well educated as his brother but thinks he can write a script about this West he concocts for Richard Donelly’s producer character, Saul Kimmer in the first act. A running joke becomes his mispronouncing Kimmer’s last name. Goes’ barbaric character comes through as he downs beer after beer and later on when he attacks the typewriter with a golf club. The acting in this show is superb as both men captivate you with their acting prowess. Rae Mancini appears late in Act 2 as the mother who chides her boys to take their arguments outside the house. For a well acted and directed show of this classic show, catch it as the closing show of Gamm’s 34th season.
TRUE WEST (11 April to 5 May)
GAMM Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI
1(401)723-4266 or www.gammtheatre.org
