Eason, whose career has segued from playing professional football for the Houston Oilers, to becoming a screen actor with film credits including "Pride and Glory" and "Bright Shining Lie," has penned the play in which he will also star.

Eason's work "opens in the final hour of Jack Henry's lifelong dream, only one thing stands in his way — his brother," according to press notes. "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."

Larry Moss, who originally staged Runt of the Litter Off-Broadway at MCC in 2002, will repeat his duties for the upcoming open-ended run at 37 Arts Theatre.

Tom Quinn, Peter Fitzgerald, Larry Safir, Dawn Eason and Forbes Candlish produce Runt of the Litter Off-Broadway.

Runt of the Litter is currently being developed for the big screen with "Shawshank Redemption" director Frank Darabont attached. Eason is also penning a screenplay based on the 1924 Olympic rugby team for Leonardo DiCaprio. Runt of the Litter begins previews Nov. 30 with an official opening scheduled for Dec. 9 at 37 Arts Theatre, located at 450 West 37 Street in Manhattan. Tickets are available by calling (212) 307 4100 or www.ticketmaster.com.