Theater presents comedy

Santa Paula Theater Center will present "Stones in His Pockets," starring Will Shupe and Fred Helsel, from July 14 through Aug. 20 at the Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. 7th St., Santa Paula. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors and students and are available by calling the box office at (805) 5254645. Due to the colorful language used by the characters in this piece, the production is recommended for audiences 14 and above.

Fifteen characters are brought to life by Shupe and Helsel, two veteran comic actors of various Ventura County stages. Winner of the Olivier Award for best comedy and a New York Drama Desk award, "Stones in His Pockets" tells the story of what happens to a sleepy village in County Kerry, Ireland when it is invaded by a Hollywood film crew. The absurdities involved in making a movie are observed by Charlie and Jake, two of the many locally hired extras. As the story unfolds, the two actors bring to life 15 characters, including the American star of the movie, the crew and the last remaining extra from "The Quiet Man."

The play was written by Marie Jones of Belfast. David Ralphe, the play's director, is the artistic

director of the Santa Paula Theater Center as well as general manager of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.