Mr. and Mister, an original gay drama, premiers in OKC

Staff Report

It’s 1867 and love on the open plains ignites between two men in the drama Mr. and Mister, written by Oklahoma City playwright Robert Matson. This original drama tells the story of a teacher who comes to work as a tutor for a quiet rancher’s nieces and nephews. The two men squabble back and forth on how to raise the children and slowly begin to fall in love with each other.

“The play takes place at a time when homosexuality wasn’t even a word,” says Matson, “and where men who felt this way just kept it locked away for fear of being killed.”

Aaron Chartier portrays Mr. Wonder, the schoolteacher who leaves the city to escape his own secrets and feelings.

“Mr. Wonder has buried his feelings deep by throwing himself into teaching and nothing else,” says Chartier. “He thinks he is safe with all of his secrets until he comes to work for Mr. Stone and his family.”

Jef Foster portrays Mr. Stone, the rancher who has chosen to live his life alone until he takes in his sister’s children after a tragic death.

“Mr. Stone has always known who he is and has lived alone to avoid those feelings,” says Foster. “When Mr. Wonder enters his life he’s finally confronted with those feelings again and rebels against it.”

Rounding out the cast is Greg Shuffield as Mr. Hill, Heather Newby as Becka, La Chander Crockett as Mrs. Gray, Matt Tracy as Mr. Hanson and Lana Henson as Winnie.

Mr. and Misteris produced by Robert JM Productions and opens Friday, March 22. Performances are at 8pm Thursday March 28, Fridays March 22 & 29 and Saturdays March 23 and 30 at Actors Casting & Talent Services, 30 NE 52nd Street in OKC. For more information, go to www.tarsplace.com. Rated PG-13.