Stones to be performed at the Covey Center

(Provo, Utah) Just like most things in life, theater can be experienced on many levels. It can be superficially entertaining, or it can move you emotionally, or touch you spiritually, or make you think. Occasionally, however, theatre can reach you on all levels—emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually—and then, it can change your life.

Stones provides one of those rare occasions.

Consisting of two one-act plays, Altars and Tombs, Stones will be presented at the Covey Center for the Arts Little Theatre beginning Thursday, April 3. The two plays use the same talented cast and set, and are carefully universal, with characters named “Father,” “Mother,” and “Son.” It is, however, easily apparent that the plays are based upon biblical characters: Altars, about Abraham and Issac; and Tombs, about Christ and his mother, Mary. Both were written and directed by J. Scott Bronson, who also performs.

Bronson, who is a veteran local playwright and performer, received the Association for Mormon Letters (AML) award for best drama in 2001 for Stones. He says, “ I'm just trying to describe the world as I see it and how I wish it could be, all rolled up together. Some people write to make us think. Some people write to move us. I'd like to think that I write to move us to thought.”

Stones was written in 1992, and has been performed only twice before. Each time, it has elicited an overwhelming audience response, with comments like “a cathartic, enriching experience,” “entertaining as well as enlightening,” and even “emotionally electrifying and spiritually challenging.”

In addition to Bronson, the production’s other performers are Kathryn Laycock Little, who plays “Mother,” and Elwon Bakly, who is “Son.” All three are experienced and masterful actors who give these plays the life, reality and meaning that they deserve.

All in all, Stones is an experience not to be missed.

Due to the intensity and thoughtful nature of the play, it is recommended for ages 12 and over.

Stones will be performed in the Little Theatre at the Covey Center for the Arts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, April 3-26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, and are available by visiting the Covey Center Ticket Office (open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 425 West Center St. in Provo, by calling 852-7007, or by visiting www.coveycenter.org.