Eugene O’Neill changed the course of American playwriting, his works blending muscular stories with delicate poetry. One of the best examples of that blend can be found in his “A Moon for the Misbegotten,” which the Heritage-O’Neill Theatre has chosen to open its season. The play examines questions of class, character and emotional entanglement by looking at the relationships of a blustering, hard-drinking tenant farmer, Phil Hogan (Dexter Hamlett), his daughter, Josie (Lisa Hodsoll), and the ex-actor who owns their farm, James Tyrone Jr. (Sean Coe).

Josie and James are attracted to one another but keep each other at arm’s length. Described by her creator as “oversize,” Josie’s references to herself reveal insecurity. James’ insecurity has to do with his alcoholism, his inability to commit to anything beyond hanging out with his Broadway pals.