Previews for the open-ended run of Runt of the Litter began Nov. 19. The 37 Arts staging marks the second time Eason's work has been staged Off-Broadway, with a previous mounting of Runt of the Litter at MCC in 2002.

Runt of the Litter is a semi-autobiographical one-man work written by and starring Eason, whose career has segued from playing professional football for the Houston Oilers to becoming a screen actor and playwright with film credits including "Pride and Glory" and "Bright Shining Lie."

Eason's work, according to press notes, "opens in the final hour of Jack Henry's lifelong dream, only one thing stands in his way — his brother. Runt of the Litter looks at what happens to two brothers in a family of over-achievers: when their parents assure their oldest son he is destined for football superstardom, and tell their youngest son he is too small to compete, a line in the family sand is drawn that colors the rest of their lives."

Director Larry Moss repeats his duties for the open-ended run at 37 Arts Theatre, having originally staged Runt of the Litter Off-Broadway at MCC in 2002. Tom Quinn, Peter Fitzgerald, Larry Safir, Dawn Eason and Forbes Candlish produce Runt of the Litter Off-Broadway.

Runt of the Litter is also undergoing development for a screen adaptation with "Shawshank Redemption" director Frank Darabont attached. Eason is also at work on a screenplay based on the 1924 Olympic rugby team for Leonardo DiCaprio. Runt of the Litter plays the 37 Arts Theatre, located at 450 West 37th Street in Manhattan. Tickets are available by calling (212) 307-4100 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.