The University Resident Theater Company's Saturday night performance of Mark Medoff's comedy, The Majestic Kid, was a refreshing look at reality. By featuring non-stereotypical characters, the play reminded patrons that good guys do not always wear white, women are not mindless, and heroes can be black.

Majestic Kid's conflict arises in a sleepy Midwest town when East Coast lawyer Aaron Weiss, played by Craig Wallace (graduate-theater), and his long time friend Ava Jean Pollard, played by Leslie Brott(graduate-theater), attempt to return territory to the Apache Indians.

The play discloses Hollywood's fake image of stock Western cowboys. For instance, although Western warriors are typically depicted as courageous strongmen, this production's protagonist fights villains with his mouth, not his might. Instead of reaching for a cap gun, or throwing a punch at the evil feller Judge Finley, portrayed by Robert T. Clendemin (graduate-theater), Wallace bites his enemy.

Also atypical are the play's competent and independent women. For example, Weiss' mate Lisa Belmondo, played by Kirsten Olson, knows how to fix a carburetor and can fend Weiss from the dangerous Judge Finley.

However, Weiss' childhood idol, the Laredo Kid, regards the opposite sex as property ordained to clean and cook. Believing that chivalry displayed in Western flicks is a virtue, the old time movie star suppresses Weiss' modern belief in feminism.

Laredo symbolizes the myth behind Hollywood tales, sending the message that no one is flawless. Stating that he has never moved his bowels, due to a fear that squatting on screen would alienate his worshipping viewers, Western films' inhuman characters are made to look stupid.

Several non-Western components countered typical Western fare. A tap dancing display by Weiss and Pollard acted as an unexpected and enjoyable dimension to the comedy. Similarly, the presentation of Mighty Mouse and Woody Woodpecker cartoons prior to the performance created an animated atmosphere.

Hop on your house and head for the Playhouse before Friday when The Majestic Kid rides off into the sunset.