By Sandra Ross, L.A. Weekly |
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Strong performances distinguish this production of Sam Shepard's Obie Award-winning drama about a dysfunctional farm family. Under David Jay Barry's thoughtful direction, the actors appear to listen and respond to each other rather than simply mouthing lines. As the brutal, alcoholic patriarch Weston, Daniel Tamm is simultaneously menacing and charismatic. When the play opens, son Wesley (Stephen Ferguson) is repairing the door destroyed by his father the night before during a drunken rage. Dad may be bad, but mom, Ella (Carol Avery), is no peach either -- she's particularly cruel to teenage daughter Emma (Christina Diaz). Only Wesley wants to revive the faltering farm. His sister wants to run away to Mexico, while his mother plots to sell the farm and make off with the proceeds. Todd Patrick Breaugh and Scott Brady are quite good in smaller roles as, respectively, a slippery land developer and a sleazy bar owner. The blocking is slightly clumsy in parts, but this is a small quibble in an otherwise superior production. 3KO Broadway Theater Company at the Players Space, 4934 Lankershim Blvd., N. Hlywd.; Fri.-Sat., 8pm.; thru March 8. (213) 488-7488. Written 2/6/03 |
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