By CHRIS ALLEN Special to the Daily Press
Audiences at the Mark Taper Forum laughed whole-heartedly and gave “Stones in His Pockets” by Marie Jones a standing ovation for what has been labeled a “surprising comedy.”
Critics and theatre lovers from the Atlantic to the Pacific hail “Stones in His Pockets” as a spectacular production, which is directed by Neel Keller.
So, what’s the buzz about this play? First off, it has a cast of 15 characters and only two actors. The stage is kept at a bare minimum with only two wooden boxes and a multi-purpose trunk full of costume accessories. The main characters, played by JD Callum and Barry McEvoy, are Jake (Callum) and Charlie (McEvoy) from County Kerry, Ireland. Watching Jake and Charlie interact with the myriad of supporting characters, ranging from an old Irish drunkard to a multi-million dollar American actress makes for great hilarity.
Jake has just returned from America where his plans to make it big and live the lavish life is not as easy at it looks on TV. Charlie’s independent video store has just flopped because of a Blockbuster that opened around the corner. Both defeated and dejected, what do they do now? Sign-up to be extras in the Hollywood movie being filmed in town.
The dialogue is well written and the fine-tuned physical comedy results in moments of gut-busting laughter. Yet there is something in the show that leaves you wanting. The dialogue is good, but the story is poor. The plot and conflict take way too long to develop. It seems we spend too much time getting to know the ensemble of characters and getting our laughs in at their individual quirkiness instead of getting on with the conflict so the story can move forward.
It also seems to be more of a social commentary on the perceptions of Hollywood and the dirt under the glam. Jake and Charlie become personifications not just of Irish locals, but also of anyone who is not in the film industry. These two try so desperately to get in and make it while the big-time actress endlessly voices her extreme dislike for the “biz.”
The show suffers from a split personality. Is it a story about a small Irish town taken over by Hollywood and milked of its resources, or is it about our social perceptions of the film industry from the inside and out? All in all, “Stones in His Pockets” is a good show. There were many moments when I was gasping for air amid bouts of laughter.
“Stones in His Pockets” runs through July 18. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. There are no performances on Mondays. Ticket prices range from $33 to $47. Public rush and senior rates are available the day of performances. Call (213) 680-4017 for more information.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 11, 2004. Read the original PDF.