Stage West opened Stan Denman’s world premiere Embracing, a story about two lifelong friends, last weekend.
   The pair grew up together with conservative Christian upbringing in a small town, eventually moving off to college to find a dwelling and become roommates.
   Traci and Dan begin the drama when Dan decides to come out of the closet, which begins some rocky times for their friendship.
   Denman created the two characters as intelligent and complex individuals who regard the other’s opinion, leading to an equal respect when Traci and Dan fight for the friendship they have come to enjoy.
   Denman began his career as an actor.
   He has performed in dozens of productions, including The Tempest, Richard II and As You Like It for Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Shakespeare Festival. In March, Denman will appear in New York.
   He has directed more than 25 productions while actively continuing as a member of the Actor’s Equity Association.
   Denman’s primary work, however, is as a faculty member in Baylor University’s theater program.
   The program has been nationally recognized for the past 15 years while Denman has served as the department chairman during the past five.
   Jim Covault is directing Embracing at Stage West. 
   Local audiences who have been viewing his work at Stage West for many years recognize Covault’s theatrical abilities.
   In this production, two new faces are introduced to the local theatrical company.
   Dallas actress Jennifer Knight plays Traci.
   The character Ben will be played by Jason Thomas Mayfield.
   Covault designed the set with lighting by Michael O’Brien and costumes created by both Covault and Peggy Kruger-O’Brien.
   The show continues through Sunday, March 12, in the Community Arts Center in Fort Worth.
   Evening show times will begin at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with matinees on Sundays at 3 p.m.
   Evening performances are $20, and Sunday matinees will cost $16 per person.
   Senior citizen, educator and student discounts are available with identification.
   A pay-what-you-can performance is scheduled for the Saturday, Feb. 18, matinee.
   Contact the box office at 817-784-9378, or the Web site at www.Stagewest.org to find further ticket information.