Former football player Bo Eason was no runt - he played safety for the Houston Oilers and the San Francisco Giants in the1980's. But his own conflicting feelings on playing football were the inspiration of his one man show, Runt of the Litter, opening Feb. 21 at Houston's Stages Repertory Theatre.

In Runt, Eason plays Jack Henry, the youngest child of six who is about to go out on the field against his brother, the star quarterback of the opposing team. Henry wanted to be a professional football player, and his family instilled in him the anger and drive to become the best by derisively dubbing him the "runt of the litter." It's that anger and drive which makes Henry fear what he might do to his brother if they come face to face in the game.

Runt of the Litter is Eason's first play. His acting credits include "Miami Rhapsody," "Volcano" and "After Sex," as well as episodes of "ER" and "The John Laroquette Show."

Larry Moss directs. Moss currently staged the hit one woman show The Syringa Tree Off-Broadway.

Runt of the Litter began performances Feb. 16 for a run through March 18. Tickets are $19-$42. Stages Repertory Theatre is located at 3201 Allen Parkway at Waugh Drive. For reservations, call (713) 527 8243. — By Christine Ehren