'Sheep's Clothing' a clash of ideas in locker room

PURE Theatre opened Thursday night with the world premiere of "Sheep's Clothing" by Spencer Deering.

Deering, a writer living in Charleston, has an uncanny knack for smart dialogue, clever plotting and a laugh-out-loud comedic touch.

The play's director, Sharon Graci, put together an ensemble team of actors who find themselves in an old high school locker room. The school's principal and one coach clash with other coaches over the influence of rough athletic training on the behavior of students off the playing field.

The underlying threat of taking the coaches' locker room and converting in into a yoga studio provided additional grist for the simmering conflict between old-style training and new age education.

Paul Whitty as the overweight coach Luggs made a forceful impression as an articulate advocate of the old style. Nat Jones created a likeable, if somewhat arrogant, older coach named George. Coach Dan, concerned about making his tenure, was vividly portrayed by Josh Wilhoit.

The fourth coach, Steven, a more complex person with lots of baggage, was convincingly realized by Brian Decosta. Pam Nichols was the appropriately strong principal Jane.

With split-second timing, locker-room language and keen psychological insight, Deering and Graci have put together an excellent presentation. Additional performances will be held through May 15 in Upper Lance Hall at the Circular Congregational Church.