EDMONDS – Though written more than 70 years ago, the innocence, charm and sweet appeal of Joe Pendleton and his dilemma with death still offer ageless entertainment in “Heaven Can Wait,” a show for the whole family.
Directed by J.D. Lloyd, the Driftwood Players’ opening night production began slow, but gathered momentum as the actors warmed up to their roles. The third act shined, culminating an enjoyable, often amusing performance of Harry Segall’s heavenly fantasy.
“Heaven Can Wait” tells the story of Joe Pendleton (Boyd Morrison), a fighter who likes to fly and fancies himself a saxophone player. One day while flying a plane he and his plane take a sudden nosedive toward earth. Before the plane crashes, Messenger 7013 (David Nance), a rookie angel on his first mission, snatches Joe from the plane and escorts him to heaven.
The problem is, 7013 acted a bit hastily 22-year-old Joe isn’t due to arrive in heaven for another 60 years. Greeted by Mr. Jordan (Peter Sill), heaven’s head honcho in the check-in department, they soon realizes their mistake and attempt to return Joe to his body. Unfortunately, Joe’s distraught manager cremated the body.
Consequently, Joe returns to earth in the body of the wealthy, less than reputable older businessman Farnsworth, who is also living on borrowed time. Passion’s consumed his wife (Jennifer Cirell) and his prissy personal secretary Tony (Damon S. Muller), and they plan to murder the wealthy Farnsworth.
Though Morrison’s Joe starts out slow, the slender actor who hardly looks the role of a fighter eventually endears himself to the audience. As Joe/Farnsworth prepares to return to the ring and falls for Bette Logan (Greta Bloor), the daughter of a man Farnsworth wronged, it’s apparent he has the heart of a fighter. No matter what, Joe’s always “in the pink,” his contagious enthusiasm for life matched only by his giving spirit.
Also good is Nance, the energetic, enthusiastic Messenger 7013, determined to right his “small” heavenly error. Nance is comfortable and a natural in his flighty role, from the moment he escorts Joe through the pearly gates until his final solution.
The real scene-stealer is Tom Nesko as Joe’s manager Max Levine. When Max finally figures out that Farnsworth is Joe, he attempts to join Joe’s conversation with the angels, who are visible only to Joe. Talking to the wind, Max vacillates between believing he’s losing his mind and being thrilled Joe is back. Nesko mines every comedic opportunity with a look, gesture or frantic activity, demonstrating the humorous potential this show offers and will most likely embrace as the run continues.
“Heaven Can Wait”: Edmonds Driftwood Players at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through June 27. $20, $17 junior and seniors. Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds; 425-774-9600, www.driftwoodplayers.com.
Review
“Heaven Can Wait”: Edmonds Driftwood Players at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through June 27. $20, $17 junior and seniors. Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds; 425-774-9600, www.driftwoodplayers.com.
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