Northlight's STONES IN HIS POCKETS Is A Tour de Force In Acting

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About twenty minutes into Nothlight’s brilliantly executed Stones In His Pockets, you totally forget that you are watching only two actors on stage.  Instead, you are so taken in by

the rich and vibrant characters carefully created by David Ivers and Brian Vaughn that you become instantly invested in the outcome of the players.

Set in a small town in Ireland we discover that an American film crew have set up shop and seemingly employed the entire town of County Kerry as extras including lifelong friends Jake and Charlie.   The film’s director wants an authentic Irish feeling to the picture, and this is where much of the comedy derives in Marie Jones emotionally gripping, 1996 play.   Ivers and Vaughn transform themselves effortlessly into various roles including the diva American film star; a aged Irishmen whose claim to fame was being an extra on John Wayne’s The Quiet Man; and a troubled young man who gives up on life when he feels the world has giving up on him.    It is in this suicide that Stones In His Pockets creates the internal drama from the characters to draw upon.

Masterfully directed by J.R. Sullivan, Stones In His Pockets is a tour de force of acting by David Ivers and Brian Vaughn.  Watching these two create a multitude of characters is an exercise in the how actors must trust one another on the stage.  The commradory between the two are infectious and is a study in technique for those who want to see the craft of acting at its most prominent.

More than that, Stones In His Pockets sheds a light on the importance of taking a moment to recognize those around us who may be in some emotional turmoil.  Sometimes it only takes a moment to reach out to someone who may be in trouble, whether it is a kind word, or even the acknowledgment that they exist, which may keep a person from drowning in there own sorrow.

Stones in his Pockets runs through April 14, 2013 at  Northlight Theatre, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd. Skokie, IL.  For tickets call 847-673-6300 or visit  www.northlight.org, Tickets are  $25 – $72,  and performances fun Tuesdays thru Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays at 8 pm, Wednesday matinee at 1 pm, Saturdays at 2:30 & 8 pm, Sundays at 2:30 & 7 pm. Running time is 2 hours, 10 minutes with intermission.  For calendar information visit www.TheatreInChicago.com