The world of stamp collecting doesn’t offer a very deep pit to mine theatrical gold from, but “Mauritius” digs deep and finds enough material of interest to fuel both its comedic and dramatic ambitions. Indeed, in a play filled with deep emotional wounds between siblings and a constant zigzag of cross and double-cross, it’s the stamps themselves that keep things interesting.

Written by Theresa Rebeck, “Mauritius” is on stage now through Feb. 6 at Carpenter Square Theatre in Oklahoma City.

OU alumna Holly McNatt leads the five-person cast in a performance that affirms her ability to translate her sharply savage characterizations into a modern play just as adroitly as the many period pieces she’s starred in. McNatt is Jackie, a woman broken by the recent death of her mother, and looking for some shot at redemption through a stamp collection bequeathed to her by her mom.

Jackie doesn’t know anything about the stamps, but she figures they’re worth something and seeks guidance at a local shop, but the proprietor, Phillip (Shane Green), isn’t interested.

Fortunately for Jackie, hanger-on Dennis (Chad Alan Baker) is willing to take a look, and finds, among other things, a set of the rarest jewels in philately — a one-penny and a two-penny stamp from the African island of Mauritius. Real-life rarities, the stamps feature a prominent printing error, and have sold for millions of dollars as a pair.

Jackie is ecstatic, Phillip is skeptical and Dennis already has a potential buyer — a foul-mouthed magnate named Sterling (Todd Clark) who’s ready to make a deal, no questions asked.

But before Jackie can do the deed, she has to deal with half-sister Mary (Courtney Hahne), an obnoxious thorn in Jackie’s side who lays claim to the stamps as her rightful inheritance from her grandfather.

“Mauritius” has shades of a comedy of errors in its quick-moving first act that revolves around the inherent mistrust underpinning every relationship in the play, while the second act shifts toward an expository-heavy caper plot where the rules of the game are never certain.

Neither of these aspects is entirely convincing, weighted down by dialogue that veers between snappy and clunky, but spends more time as the latter. Structurally, this is all very familiar, but the positively fascinating stamp trivia that pervades the play touches it up with strokes of color.

“Mauritius” also benefits from an engaging lead turn from McNatt, who ably lets down the harsh barriers of her character to reveal the show’s best human moments, and a strong supporting performance from Clark, who comically spews expletives, but becomes downright frightening for real in the show’s ultimate moments.

Directed by Carpenter Square president of the board, Rodney Brazil, “Mauritius” features a nicely conceived set design by Brazil and Caleb Schnackenberg that divides the stage into three separate locales, allowing for easy transitions without set changes.

“Mauritius” may not be a theatrical gem, but its niche elements ensure it’s not without its unique charms.

“Mauritius”

Carpenter Square Theatre

400 W. Sheridan Ave. in Oklahoma City

7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Now through Feb. 6.

Tickets: $18 for adults, $5 for students on day of show with current ID

For tickets, call 232-6500