Written and performed by Bo Eason, and directed by Larry Moss, Runt of the Litter is Bo Eason's story of his 20-year quest to play in the NFL. He was considered too small to play football, but his family's encouragement fueled his determination, and he eventually realized his dream, playing for the Houston Oilers from 1984-1989. Runt of the Litter is a one-man show, and Eason carries it with energy, humor and poignancy as he takes us inside the mind and heart of a youth--and then a man--who never gives up. This despite having an older brother with "natural" talent for the sport who always seems to eclipse Bo's accomplishments. Yet there was no resentment in the way this dynamic was portrayed--disappointment perhaps, but not resentment.
The play takes place in the final hours of the 20-year plan, in the locker room right before a big game between the brothers' respective teams. Eason bounds on stage to the Bee Gees disco classic "Stayin' Alive." After thus grabbing the audience's attention he begins his tale, told mostly with humor and affection. One of the highlights of this play is Eason's description of what goes on inside the mind of a football player once he dons his gear. He describes how, once the gear goes on, whatever humanity was left inside disappears. The player becomes, essentially, an animal on the attack.
Despite the fact that I am a futbol--not a football--fan, I found Eason's story engaging. The family dynamics he describes and his drive to accomplish his goals are universal aspects of life that anyone can relate to. Eason is an excellent actor--and lucky for us he decided to retire from football to realize his other dream. Although not phyiscally imposing, he generates tremendous presence and energy which is clearly the source of his ability to overcome obstacles. And while the material is autobiographical, Eason tells it without the self-indulgent sentimentality that is always a temptation in this genre.
Runt of the Litter runs through October 11, 2009 at the ACT Theater, 700 Union Street, Seattle, WA 98101. For information and tickets call the ticket office at (206) 292-7676 or visit www.acttheatre.org.
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