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Cock & Bull Story
((Fountainhead Theater; 75 seats; $ 15 top))
Rupert Travis ... Trevor Goddard
John (Jacko) Foster ... Mark Sheppard
Woman's voice ... Mary Dryden
Current Hollywood run is a U.S. premiere of a work that debuted in London three years ago. Director/co-producer William (Billy) Hayes is the fellow who authored the book that became the Alan Parker/Oliver Stone film "Midnight Express"; he has since pursued a career in acting and directing. Actors Trevor Goddard and Mark Sheppard are virtual unknowns in a star vehicle.
Rupert Travis is a boxer; "Jacko" Foster, his lifetime friend. The play takes place in a locker room on the night of a crucial match: If Travis wins, he'll turn professional and relocate to London, where he and Jacko will become roommates.
Both men constantly boast of their prowess with the opposite sex. Jacko reinforces his machismo, he believes, by beating up gays. Yet Jacko harbors some questions about Travis' sexuality. And, maybe, some doubts about himself.
Actors Goddard and Sheppard immerse themselves in the play. Their personal backgrounds no doubt help them in these roles: Goddard boxed professionally before turning to the stage and Sheppard, who has been a drummer with numerous British rock bands, is the son of English actor W. Morgan Sheppard.
Both performances convey the authentic "street" quality of Richard Crowe and Richard Zajdlic's well-tuned dialogue and, of course, Goddard has a boxer's moves in firm command. Director Hayes keeps them both -- Morgan especially -- in constant motion.
Not a "gay" play in the traditional sense, its overall theme and environment seem to attract a predominantly male audience.
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