At UNM’s Rodey Theatre Tricklock is presenting “Cowboys Are My Weakness,” a quintet of short stories from Pam Houston’s collection of the same title, conceived and adapted for the stage by Myra Platt. Platt’s adaptation was produced and developed in 1998 by Book-It Repertory, a Seattle-based company that has presented over fifty similar adaptations throughout Washington state. Pam Houston, an opening night guest, writes literate stories that are psychologically and geographically rich, and Platt’s dramatic treatments are ideal to showcase Tricklock talent. Dodie Montgomery, herself an excellent actress, makes her directorial debut with “Cowboys”; she acted in the original production. Author Houston writes, “We invent ourselves through our stories, and in a similar way, the stories we tell put walls around our lives.” Houston’s narrates the quest for excitement and love from the woman’s point of view, and most of the men in her tales are held up against the iconic image of the cowboy—and found wanting.

The audience enters Rodey to find a trio of musicians atop a section of Richard K. Hess’s multilevel set. Don Bicknell plays guitar and harmonica, Casey Mraz alternates banjo and guitar, and Aleah Waldron sings country standards (and plays the mandolin). These performers remain on stage, providing musical commentary, sound effects, and occasionally joining the dialogue and action. In “How to Talk to a Hunter,” Summer Olsson plays a woman attracted to a rugged hunter portrayed by hunky newcomer Drew Pollock. Making December love under a moose hide, our heroine is willing to overlook his faults (like donating money to the Republicans). When, however, he shares his moose skin with free-spirited Janie Coyote (Kerry Morrigan), our heroine is crushed. Her best friend sums up the situation: “They lie to us, they cheat on us, and we love them more for it.” “It’s our fault; we raise them to be like that.”

The title story treats a similar situation with Kate Schroeder as a woman attracted in turn by an obsessed naturalist (Kevin R. Elder), a sensitive and sensible rancher (Chad Brummett), and a handsome cowboy who’d rather chew than kiss (Pollock). “For Bo” is a delightful change of pace where Olsson and Elder play a dog-loving couple who survive a visit from her mother and sister. My favorite segment is “Selway,” a terrifying trip down a treacherously swollen river by a veteran high-water rafter and his girlfriend. Dodie Montgomery’s clever direction, William Liotta’s evocative lighting design, and the excellent acting skills of Kerry Morrigan and Chad Brummett combine to produce a harrowing whitewater adventure and an insightful treatment of relationships. Tricklock is back!

If You Go

WHAT: “Cowboys Are My Weakness” by Pam Houston

WHEN: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through May 18

WHERE: Rodey Theatre, UNM Center for the Arts

HOW MUCH: $18 general public, $12 students and seniors, and $5 student rush. Call 925-5858 for ticket information

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