MORGANTOWN — The wild west hits the stage at M.T. Pockets Theatre this weekend with two offerings from Jethro Compton’s The Frontier Trilogy. “The Clock Strikes Noon” and “The Rattlesnake’s Kiss” will open at 8 p.m. Friday and continue with performances at 8 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday, and at 8 p.m. June 14-16. M.T. Pockets Theatre is at 203 Parsons St. in the Old Woodburn School complex off Charles Avenue.
Set in 1866, each chapter of the frontier saga takes place inside the Chapel of Emmanuel, a rough-pine structure that’s somehow found its way inside the M.T. Pockets Theatre. The chapel — a long, wooden room with benches on either side and a crucifix on the wall — pulls the audience into the same claustrophobic room as the bloody and backstabbing protagonists.
There’s Ben Walker and Felix Jackson in “The Clock Strikes Noon,” two landowners making a last stand against the all-devouring American Pacific Railroad company. Trapped, guns near empty and the clock ticking, the pair must choose between the easy way or the right way.
The railroad shines like a beacon of the modern age, but for the people of Cooper’s Ridge, it brings only darkness. And there’s Father Manoah, the blind preacher who is featured in both tales, but takes center stage in “The Rattlesnake’s Kiss,” in which he’s asked to betray one of his flock while battling his own demons. His life as a murderer is far behind him, but can he ever escape the man he was born to become?
“The Clock Strikes Noon” stars Thomas Ian Lyall, Justin Grow, Nicole Davis and John Tyler Moore. “The Rattlesnake’s Kiss” also features Moore as Father Manoah, and includes Rion Hammond, Tawnya Drake, Sean Bonnette and M.T. Pockets’ newcomer, George Barber.
“Bringing the American Wild West alive on stage has been a thrilling opportunity,” said director Mara Monaghan. “These two stories evoke classic Western themes like revenge, retribution and showdowns at high noon. Unlike many others, however, the lines between good and bad become blurred as plots unravel.”
Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors/military, $10 for students and $7 for children, at MTPocketsTheatre.com.
Reservations can be made by calling 304-284-0049 and leaving a message. Tickets can be purchased at the door when seating is available. Free parking is available in the lower lot off Charles Avenue.
