— a review by Margie Doyle, reprinted from March 18 upon request —
The Orcas Center production of “True West” as directed by Robert Hall is a funny, realistic and heart-breaking examination of the most primal relationship, that of siblings.
On Opening Night of “True West” at the Orcas Center Black Box, Kelly Toombs and Kevin Doyle expressed their brotherly love and frustration with an ease and authenticity as if they were born to it, not acting it. As they danced that sibling survival competition, there were moments of gut-wrenching tension, anxious foreboding and tears. They embodied the braggadocio and yearning that brothers bring to their embrace, especially portrayed in the beginning choreography (designed by Tiffaney Loney), the most masculine dance I’ve ever seen.
Jim Shaffer-Bauck as Saul Kimmer brought comic relief even as he became the wedge between the brothers, whose lives and personas were exchanged back and forth. But more than challenge a sense of reality, this juxtaposition made me almost feel like a helpless bystander watching the characters play out their deal with the devil, one character ceding his personality to the other.
Robert Hall deserves high praise not only as director of this outstanding cast, but also as set designer in the spare room of the Black Box. With the assistance of Jake Perrine, Hall has created a realistic, authentic set against a backdrop of stark western desert photography with the “high lonesome” music of the best country western singers. His artistic vision, and his confidence in letting his actors “have their head” are the marks of an accomplished and soulful director.
Though the play revolves around the brothers’ lifelong conflict, it never dissolves into an endurance match for the audience, partly due to Shepherd’s great, often poetic writing, but even more due to Toombs’ and Doyle’s wholeheartedly giving themselves to portray two men who are intimately connected, who know each other like the back of their hands, yet who can’t work out their envy of and admiration for each other. No one can hurt you like a brother; no rejection is felt more strongly than that by your sister. When siblings say, “Why aren’t you more like me?” they are really saying, “I wish I could be more like you.”
Aaimee Johnson as the mother, and Tom Fiscus and Steve Henigson as Mystery Man #1 and #2 fully support the drama, but this play is an actor’s showcase for the roles of the brothers — Toombs and Doyle are brilliantly sensitive and authentic. Orcas residents are extraordinarily fortunate to be able to partake of this high-quality production of a quintessential American drama. They should see and support this local cast who bring heroic — and tragic– stature to the Everymen of “True West.”
“True West” plays at the Orcas Center Black Box Theater at 7:30 p.m. March 18-19, and March 24, 25 and 26. It is sponsored by Sircely Marketing and Design and Orcas Center Trustee John Bric and Alison Weir. Advance tickets are available through orcascenter.org
This production is brilliant and very moving. Kudos and Bravo to All! Get your tickets asap, folks, and don’t miss real theater on the rock. I’m going again, it was that good. Thanks to Margie Doyle for her critical and writing abilities in service of us all — brilliant review Margie, thank you!
I second everything Margie and Susan said. We saw it last night – opening night. What an inspired production.
First-rate acting and directing.
I cannot say enough good things about the acting in this play.
As an audience member I just want to thank everyone involved – from Diane Skaar on props, Aimee Johnson’s costumes, and Tiffany Loney’s choreography – everyone involved backstage and all the actors. So many people who volunteer their time make productions like this happen.
And finally Robert Hall.
We are so lucky to have him in our theatre community.
Not only is he an amazing actor, he is a brilliant director and has a genius for staging. I wish Sam Shepard and the producers of the London and New York productions could see this staging as done by Robert.
Congratulations to all!
I already bought my ticket to see the show again.
As always, to everyone who is involved in theatre in this community – you are giving a huge gift to us.
Thank you!
The first Sam Shepard play I ever saw was in an Off-Broadway theater in New York, and this production feels like that! All of the actors give outstanding performances, and the direction by Robert Hall is absolutely inspired. Also, the set, sound and visuals are terrific, as is the Black Box setting.