Serving up 'True West'

As part of their "Spotlight on the Valley" series, Touchstone Theatre presents Allentown neighbors, Allentown Public Theatre in "True West," a powerful tale of sibling rivalry by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Sam Shepard. "True West" opens for a two-week run.

Described by The New York Times as "a rambunctious and spontaneous tale about sibling rivalry … the seductiveness of Hollywood and … the battle between art and business," "True West" delves into the story of two estranged brothers, Austin, a budding Hollywood screenwriter, and Lee, a scurvy desert drifter.

Their prickly relationship hints at a deeper schism between head and heart, sophistication and savagery.

"'True West' has stuck with me since reading scenes from it in college classes," says Joshua Neth, Allentown Public Theatre artistic director, "especially having grown up in California ranchland-turned suburbia, where the play is set. At the time, I knew I was too young for it, but I've always wanted to get back to the role of Lee."

Neth adds, "The play explores the relationship between apparent polar opposites, love and hate. Shepard, however, challenges his audience to understand the closeness of these two extremes. Love often comes with expectations which lead us to indignation. The passion that drives hate actually means that we care."

Additional cast members include APT company member Jason Roth, as well as Lehigh Valley favorites Kathy Patterson and Bill Joachim. Muhlenberg College professor James Peck directs, after directing Neth in Muhlenberg's Summer Music Theatre productions of "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Monty Python's Spamalot."

Peck has also taught at Yale School of Drama, New York University Tisch School of the Arts, and Playwrights Horizons Theater School.

Rounding out the collaboration is a Valley-spanning production team. From the Touchstone Ensemble, Jp Jordan and Christopher Shorr head scenic design, with Emma Chong on lighting design. Kristian Derek Ball has done sound design and music composition locally for some 30 Lehigh University productions, as well as APT's "Jungle Book;" this spring, he designs sound for Touchstone's "Journey from the East." Stacey Yoder of Pines Dinner Theatre designs costumes and props.

APT veteran Alexis Leon returns as stage manager.

Touchstone's season of main stage productions is supported locally by season sponsors First Generation, an integrated marketing communications company, and RCN. WDIY provides media sponsorship. This production of "True West" is sponsored by Lawrence Roth Salon.

"True West" opens tonight at Touchstone, located at 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem, and runs through March 1.

Shows are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25/$15 for students and seniors, with group rates available on request.

On Thursdays, Touchstone offers a pay-what-you-will option at the door, allowing patrons to name their own ticket price. "True West" is recommended for audiences of high school age and older.

For advance tickets or more information, call 610-867-1689 or visit www.touchstone.org or allentownpublictheatre.com.