"Stones in His Pockets" Held Over for Second Weekend

September 3, 2004

Oklahoma Baptist University's second production of the theatre season, Marie Jones' "Stones in His Pockets," has added two performances, Sept. 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. The production began Sept. 9 in Shawnee Hall's Craig-Dorland Theatre.

The internationally-acclaimed comedy is directed by Laura Byland, assistant professor of theatre. Other performances are Sept. 10-11 at 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 12 at 2:30 p.m.

"Stones" is set in a tiny Irish town that has been invaded by a Hollywood production crew filming a romance epic. The play revolves around Charlie Conlon and Jake Quinn, two locals who get hired as film extras and who actually portray all of the show's 15 characters, from the temperamental star to the lowliest peon.

As extras, Charlie and Jake have the opportunity to gawk at the moviemakers and fantasize about joining their glamorous ranks. After a local death that the visitors from Hollywood dismiss as a professional inconvenience, Jake and Charlie become disillusioned. They emerge triumphant, however, planning a screenplay based on their film experience.

The Irish play has won several awards, including the 2001 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and the London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best New Comedy. Also, it was nominated for three Tony awards on Broadway. The show is still currently running on the West End in London and the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

The cast includes OBU Theatre favorites Rex Daugherty of Oklahoma City and Blake Bolerjack of Perryton, Texas, each playing a variety of roles. Stage managing is Jesse Vinyard, assistant stage manager is Collin Blackard, house manager and dramaturg is Twila Johnson, costumer is Mary Sanders, sound is Breeman Ainsworth, and lighting is Holly Newberry.

For ticket information, contact the Theatre Department at 405-878-2347.