By Joe Hadsall
jhadsall@joplinglobe.com
Vicki Gail Dickey knew she had her work cut out for her. She hadn’t directed a play in years, and she had picked a tough title.
Yet she jumped at the chance to front a production of “Proof.” The play started its run at the Stone’s Throw Dinner Theater on Thursday and runs until March 28.
Written by David Auburn in 2000, actors such as Mary-Louise Parker, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Anne Heche and Neil Patrick Harris starred in it during its Broadway run. The play was made into a movie in 2005 starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins and Jake Gyllenhaal. The movie is what pushed Dickey over the edge to take on the challenge, she said.
“I had read the play, but never seen the movie,” Dickey said. “After I watched the movie, I thought that the play was so much better. Not to take anything away from the movie, but the play pops. It’s so emotional.”
“Proof” is the story of Catherine, the daughter of a recently deceased math professor, Robert, who suffered a lengthy mental illness. When one of Robert’s graduate students discovers a paradigm-changing, ground-breaking proof about prime numbers in his work, Catherine sets out to prove that it is her father’s work.
The play’s emotional tugs over parenthood and darkly comic turns make it compelling, Dickey said, even though it is far from the standard fare usually offered at a dinner theater. Themes of the play deal with caring for parents as they age -- a subject matter some may not want to face, she said.
But Dickey’s excitement over the story and acting skills of the cast make “Proof” a can’t-miss production, she said.
The actor that first popped into her mind agreed to take on the lead role. Rachel Stanley, who graduated from Missouri Southern State University alongside Dickey, plays the part of Catherine. Shelley Wilson, a drama teacher in Carthage, is also part of the cast.
“With the people we have portraying the characters, the audience is going to get an amazing performance,” Dickey said.
Stanley, Wilson, Doug Dickey and Mike Smith comprise the cast of the play.
Want to go?
“Proof” runs today, tomorrow and March 26 to 28. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner begins at 6:30 and the show begins at 7:30. Start times for the matinee on Sunday, March 28 are 12:30 p.m. for doors to open, 1 p.m. for dinner and 2 p.m. for the show.
Tickets: $22, $19 for seniors, $10 for children younger than 18. Details: 417-358-9665.
Enjoy
Related Photos
Discussion
Stone’s Throw tackles tough title
- Enjoy
-
-
Can't miss movies: 2012 features big-buzz blockbusters
Sure, it’s only February, but we’re already planning out our trips to the multiplex over the next 10 months.
-
Play, concert geared toward Valentine’s crowd
Lovers seeking the arts for a romantic Valentine’s Day date have two solid choices for entertainment. Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre and Missouri Southern State University will offer romantic productions on Tuesday night.
-
Dance party pairs electronic music with sci-fi costumes
Christofer Drew might be involved with a Saturday night dance party, but it’s definitely not a Never Shout Never show.
-
Titanic 100th anniversary under way
During 2012, Titanic history buffs worldwide will celebrate the White Star Line’s most famous ship. The Titanic crews in Branson and Pigeon Forge, Tenn., where a second Titanic Museum Attraction is located, have already kicked off the yearlong tribute to the once-thought unsinkable ocean liner.
-
Joe Hadsall: ‘Skyrim’ should have addiction warning
Thanks a lot, Bethesda Studios, makers of the game “The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim.” I already have insomnia, but now you’re giving me reason to never get sleep again.
-
Benji Tunnell: Found-footage genre works for superheroes
The idea of found superpowers is the premise of “Chronicle,” a nice little hiccup in the increasingly grating found-footage genre.
-
Lee Duran: Technology in publishing rolls along
I have friends who know nothing about computers or the Internet and they like it that way. They seem unaware of the existence of e-books; POD (Print on Demand) is a complete mystery. Personally, I don’t know how they survive in those narrow confines.
-
Jeremiah Tucker: Karmin the latest to cover rap with preppy style
If “adorkable” was a musical genre, Karmin would be its flagship band. Amy Heidemann handles the rapping and sings most of the hooks, sometimes while strumming an acoustic guitar, while her fiance Nick Noonan plays piano.
-
Dave Woods: Winter rehearsals lead to traditional preview
It was 18 years ago that a group of Branson show producers and performers came together to put on a show. Not just any show ... a Big Show.
-
Benji Tunnell: ‘The Artist’ a charming tribute to Hollywood’s start
There was a time when people liked to be challenged by their entertainment. Television used to be more than bland cookie-cutter sitcoms or police procedurals. Books that challenged the mind would be embraced, films that didn’t fit into the traditional structure would become cultural touchstones. Those days, it seems, are behind us.
- More Enjoy Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
