One day 23 years ago, Eddie Wickett killed his pretty young wife, Emma, while their two children looked on. Today, the son lies speechless in an Oklahoma mental hospital, deep in dreams of the imaginary Wild West. The daughter lives in a distant city, hiding her past from the woman she loves. The story of a family torn apart could be material for a psychological drama, an Elizabethan revenge tragedy, or even a Country-Western song - which are just a few of the forms Louis Broome weaves together effortlessly in his exuberant, lyrical, touching, astonishingly original script for "Texarkana Waltz," previewing Jan. 7-11 and playing Jan. 12-Feb. 13 at The Empty Space Theatre.

Allison Narver, former Artistic Director of Annex Theatre and current resident director for The Lion King on Broadway, directs Empty Space's production. The cast includes Burton Curtis, Paul Morgan Stetler, Todd Beadle, Lauren Weedman, Jena Cane, Keri Healey, Edd Key and Paul Niebank. For ticket information and show times, call The Empty Space at 547-7500. The Empty Space is located at 3509 Fremont Ave. N.