BYU's 'Holes' is a big hoot

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jun 1, 2005 | by Genelle Pugmire Deseret Morning News

HOLES, Pardoe Theatre, Brigham Young University, Provo, through June 11 (801-422-4322). Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes (15- minute intermission).

PROVO -- Unlike donut centers, the "Holes" being presented at Brigham Young University's Pardoe Drama Theater are quite filling.

Directed by Megan Sanborn Jones, "Holes," by Louis Sachar, is a refreshing look at family, ethics, love, friendship and the art of digging. From book to movie to play, "Holes" has quite a following and is one of the most popular children's books on the market.

The story follows the history of the Yelnats family (particularly Stanley Yelnats IV), the family's curse and their amazing search for a cure. Stanley IV is played by Ryan Dahlquist, who does a wonderful job of interpreting the character's idiosyncracies and hidden strengths.

The family's curse goes back to the first generation when Stanley I refused Madame Zeronie up a mountain in 1890. Amends are made when her third great-grandson, Zero, is carried up the mountain by Stanley IV, after Zero has run away from a boys' camp.

The stage version shifts back and forth across three generations and three families.

Supporting Dahlquist is Keldon Shepherd, who portrays Zero. Shepherd's portrayal is sensitive to the character, and his timing is perfect.

Katie Rockwood is the Warden, a woman with an evil edge. She likes putting snake venom in her nail polish! Other notables are Marianne Smith as Kissin' Kate Barlow, Eugene Fulton as Sam, Ty Turley as Mr. Sir and Jakob Tice an Mr. Pendanski.

The youths in the show all did a fabulous job digging holes and building the story. They include Arisael Rivera Rios as X-Ray, Jorge Chauca as Magnet, James Jones as Armpit, Burns Johansson as Zigzag and Joseph Shim as Squid.

Staging is magnificent, complete with a real water truck. The lighting adds to the overall mood, and the yellow spotted lizards are a hoot.

The show's playbill features a study guide, family history, an activity page and Kissin' Kate Barlow's recipe for Spiced Peaches. The foyers are decked out with educational displays. Take the kids to this one.

Academically there are a number of "talk back" sessions, forums and Family "Lunch 'n' Learn" programs offered before and after certain performances. Check with ticket office for details.

E-mail: pugmire@desnews.com