Actors make "Stones in His Pockets" a play you have to see

Scene on Stage, by Sara Hansen

"Stones in His Pockets," which opened last weekend at Valley Performing Arts, is an amazing play that everyone should get to see. The only two actors steal the show. Their talent alone is one reason to go to the theater, but the story is just as fun.

Kevin Sweeney and Paul Schweigert play Charlie and Jake (the main characters), who are extras in a movie being filmed in Ireland. The actors have to play 15 roles between themselves, both young and old. They do a wonderful job keeping the play going and fluid, which is a big order considering how exhausting it must be to play the entire cast, switching in and out of characters.

Director Dean Phipps did a great job in casting Sweeney and Schweigert. This play has the potential to bomb with the wrong two people on stage.

Sweeney and Schweigert are perfect choices though, and they put on an impressive evening of theater for the audience.

The story involves the clash of cultures between the Irish folk and the American filmmakers who are there. There is plenty of comedy, yet some serious issues are tackled and the audience is put through a wide range of emotions. On Saturday night, you couldn't find an audience member who was disappointed. Everyone left with a smile on their face, talking about how Sweeney and Schweigert pulled the characters together.

It is a wonderful cast and a fun story, and the result is a must-see for Valley Performing Arts. Stones in His Pockets runs through Nov. 16 at Fred and Sara Machetanz Theater in Wasilla. If you are only going to see one VPA performance, make sure it's this one -- you won't be disappointed, and you may just find yourself out of breath just watching Sweeney and Schweigert.

Sara Hansen is a Palmer resident.