"The Geography of Nowhere," a play by Joshua Cook, has won Mustard Seed Theatre's inaugural new play competition.

The play concerns the twisted journey of three people united by almost nothing except their address and their desire to build a spiritual Utopia.  

More than 60 plays from around the country were submitted to the competition. Cook, a St. Louis actor, director and writer, is also the author of "An Invitation Out," a finalist in the competition.

Deanna Jent, artistic director of Mustard Seed, said she was delighted that St. Louis did so well in the competition. Another play in the finals, "Temptations of the Father," is by St. Louis writer DJ Sanders. The submissions were judged by Seth Gordon, Mary Ann Hogan, Linda Kennedy, Bobby Miller and Jent. 

Mustard Seed, the theater in residence at Fontbonne University, will present "The Geography of Nowhere" in a staged reading at 7 p.m. on April 22 and 23 in the school's Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Boulevard. Tickets are $10. Mustard Seed's current production, "Playland" by Athol Fugard, runs at the same theater through Feb. 12; tickets are $20-$25. To make reservations for either performance, call the Mustard Seed box office (314-719-8060).