Former NFL Star Bo Eason in one man show at CFA

PLATTEVILLE-The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents Runt of the Litter, November 12th and 13th both at 7:30pm.

Bo Eason, former NFL star player turned star of his own one-man show, "Runt of the Litter," inspires audience to make their dreams a reality. His unforgettable story is living proof that with enough determination, nothing can prevail over the human spirit.

At nine years old, Bo Eason took a crayon and paper and made a plan. The plan was to play professional football in the NFL and become the best in the league at his position. His lifelong plan endured a few obstacles along the way. Coming out of high school, Bo was told he was too small to play and was passed over by every college in the country. He decided to try out for a small Division II college, but after two days of practice he was sent home. Instead of packing his bags, Bo decided to stay. He showed up at practice day after day, and with his desire and perseverance he eventually earned a spot on the team. Four years and seven knee surgeries later he was the first safety chosen in the 1984 NFL Draft. He went on to play five years for the Houston Oilers. His determination and killer instincts on the playing field remain the stuff of legend. His brother, Tony Eason, was the quarterback who led the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl in 1986.

After retiring from football, Bo brought the same zeal to his career as a writer and performer. He appeared in television and movies before writing his one-man play, "Runt of the Litter," in which he also stars. "Runt" is based on Eason’s own life and takes place within the last hour of accomplishing his 20-Year Plan. "Runt" opened in New York to rave reviews. The New York Times named it, "One of the most powerful plays in the last decade."

Though resolutely American in its themes (the competitiveness and violence of sports, sibling rivalry, underdog makes good), it also contains elements of ritual theater and blood sacrifice that give the material a mythic resonance and power. This is a superb and substantive one-man show by Eason, who gives a sexy, tough, charismatic performance of size and scope. The show cuts across all demographics and has an across-the-board appeal for everyone, from sports enthusiasts to hardcore theater lovers.

Soon to be a major motion picture, Bo is adapting "Runt" for the big screen. Frank Darabont ("The Shawshank Redemption," "The Green Mile") is producing. After seeing a performance of "Runt," Leonardo DiCaprio hired Bo to write a screenplay for his company based on the 1924 Olympic Rugby Team. Eason continues to perform "Runt of the Litter" for audiences across the country, traveling to college campuses, corporations, pro sports teams and inner-city schools.

Tickets for this event are $30 for General Admission $28 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $20 for Kids Under 18 and $10 for UWP Students (with current ID). Runt of the Litter containts mature themes and is reccomended for adult audiences.

Tickets are available through the University Box Office located in the lower level of Ullsvik Hall at Hickory and Main streets in Platteville. The University Box Office is open Monday 8am-5pm, Tuesday 8am-8pm, Wednesday through Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Phone orders can be made by calling (608)-342-1298. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.

The next event in the series is Cirque le Masque with two shows on November 21st at 2pm and 8 pm. The show has captured audiences worldwide with its blend of live theatrical entertainment and cutting edge special effects, enjoying a history of productions ranging from NBC Live to Atlantic City, Foxwoods Casino, Las Vegas and many more. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.