C.J. Hopkin's arch absurdist two-hander Horse Country is currently enjoying its Philadelphia premiere at the Amaryllis Theater Company. The production, which began on Dec. 5, will run through Dec. 16.

Horse Country focuses on the vaudevillian duo of Bob and Sam. Their comedy schtick, sometimes foolish, sometimes deadly earnest, always partially opaque, takes the audience on an idiosyncratic journey into the world of contemporary American culture, society and morals, as well as the theatre itself.

The play had its NYC premiere at the Monkey Wrench Theater in 1997. The Present Company gave the show a staging in 1999. John Clancy directed Dan Berkey and Frederick Backus.

Horse Country inaugurates Amaryllus' first full season. The troupe's artistic director Mimi Kenney Smith directs. Harry Philibosian and William Jay Marshall star.

The production is at the Independence Foundation Black Box at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. For more information, call (215) 569-2431. —By Robert Simonson