Stones in His Pockets
By Marie Jones
Directed by John Plumpis
with Dan Donohue and Ray Porter
Ashland, OR at the Rogue Theater Company July 17 – August 4, 2024
Ray Porter amd Dan Donohue. Photo by Bob Palermini
Finally the Rogue Theater Company (RTC) has a play that is worthy of the incredible actors on stage. For several years now RTC has showcased veteran Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) stars in small plays. The actors have been universally spectacular and the performances were slaps in the face to the casting choices being made at OSF. But, the stories were often interesting but not engaging. I enjoyed the master class in acting, but mostly thought that they should have picked different material.
Ray Porter Photo by Bob Palermini
Stones in His Pockets breaks that negative tradition in a big way. It’s billed as a comedy (2001 Olivier Award Winner for Best New Comedy), but really is much, much more than a humorous romp.
The RTC website says that Dan Donohue and Ray Porter play 15 characters, but it feels like they portray more, a whole village more. The menagerie of characters are local extras and the Hollywood stars and crew. Set in rural Ireland and the play explores the different values, pacing, and style that the Hollywooders and the villagers have.
Ray and Dan change characters flawlessly by swishing a scarf or miming the holding of a walking cane. The clearness of their character switches is consistently awe inspiring. Ray’s main character is Charlie Conlon and Dan’s is Jake Quinn, and they reappear and interact frequently. But, the strength of the show is in the use of the supporting cast, the quick character bursts that the actors share in front of us.
Dan Donohue. Photo by Bob Palermini
What Dan and Ray say and do are masterful moments of acting. They are equal to any of previous RTC showcases. But, this play has meaning and is memorable.
Yes, there are funny moments and outrageous character moments. Laughs are appropriate.
But, more is going on. How are the local folk doing in general, how are they handling the Hollywood schedule, how do they deal with tragedy? And, yes, Stones in His Pockets, the title of this “comedy”, comes from a very unhumorous event that effects the villagers.
The swirl of characters with real personality and growth make Stones in His Pockets an excellent play. Dan and Ray’s execution of the acting craft makes the performance one which we will talk about for a long time.
Stones in His Pockets is a definite 5-star event.