by Josh Tobiessen
directed by Adrienne Sweeney
July 12–October 25
“A very fine coming-home story, reconciliation story and small-town-hero story—another spunky, funny work by Josh Tobiessen.” —The New York Times
Marley is hoping for a quick trip home to the dwindling Texas town where she grew up, but she and her hipster fiancé, Ben, are in for more than they bargained for.
Upon entering her estranged father’s liquor store, she’s immediately set upon by Drew, her football-hero ex-boyfriend, who’s looking to relight a romance with the only girl he’s never cheated on. Then there’s Jessica, the former classmate and current single mom looking to drag Marley into a two-woman bachelorette party. By the time Marley finally manages to reveal to her father the real reason for her visit, things are further complicated by the ghost of the bear-wrestling pioneer who used to live in the store and who Marley’s father and Drew speak to on a daily basis.
A small-town comedy with hairpin turns that takes a hilarious and sympathetic look at family, spirituality, those who stay and those who leave their hometowns, and the ghosts that haunt us either way.
Perfect for fans of: Ugly Lies the Bone (2024), True West (2025 Apprentice Capstone production), Eelpout (2024 playreading), Come Back (2021).
Featuring Commonweal ensemble members: Lizzy Andretta, Cody Beyer, Alex Schlesinger, and Jeremy van Meter.
LONE STAR SPIRITS is produced by special arrangement with DRAMATIC PUBLISHING, Woodstock, Illinois (www.dramaticpublishing.com)
County Free Night
The Commonweal Theatre strives to make theatre accessible to all. For residents of Fillmore and Houston County the Thursday, July 17 performance is free. Please contact our box office at (800) 657-7025 to reserve tickets. Additionally Thursday, July 24, is a Pay What You Can night where patrons may choose what to pay for their $38 ticket.
