Wednesday, July 23, 2003
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Wednesday, July 23, 2003 |
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Don't wait to see STG's 'Heaven Can Wait' By MICHAEL
BOYLAN
It has been said that God doesn't make mistakes. The same can not be said for angels, though. At least the one in "Heaven Can Wait," Southside Theatre Guild's latest production. An overeager angel rescues boxer Joe Pendleton from a plane crash but Pendleton wasn't going to die. In fact, he wasn't supposed to arrive in Heaven for another 60 years. Mr. Jordan, the supervisor in Heaven, cannot return Pendleton to his body, because it has been cremated by his manager Max Levene. Until other accommodations can be made, Pendleton is put in the body of the extremely wealthy Mr. Farnsworth, who is about to be murdered by his wife. Pendleton, as Farnsworth, then begins to right Farnsworth's wrongs and train for a boxing match that he was supposed to fight before his untimely death. "Heaven Can Wait" is an extremely popular work. The play, written by Harry Segall, has been made into a movie several times. The 1941 film, called "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" won two Academy Awards. It was followed by a sequel of sorts called "Down to Earth." In 1978 "Heaven Can Wait" was released, featuring Warren Beatty as Pendleton, who was now an NFL quarterback. Chris Rock brought the story back in 2001 with "Down to Earth." Southside's production is much like the 1941 film. Peter Morgan plays the role of Joe Pendleton, while Terry Hoffman takes on the role of Mr. Jordan. Other members of the cast include Rebecca Kling as Messenger 7013, Keith Williams as Max Levene and Rachel White as Bette Logan. Husband and wife Jonny and Heather May round out the principals as Tony Abbott and Julia Farnsworth. Rounding out the cast are Nancy Norris, Carrie Thames, David Porter, Samuel Knight, Ian McCarthy, Sam Thames and Travis Thames. "Heaven Can Wait" is directed by Tammy Hyder-Williams. "The show is going to be tremendous," said Hyder-Williams. "We are laughing our way through rehearsals. It's a wonderful show, lighthearted, funny, entertaining and promises to bring a smile to everyone who comes and sees it." "Heaven Can Wait" will run at 8 p.m., Thursdays-Saturdays July 24-Aug. 9. All tickets on Thursdays are $10, while tickets for Friday and Saturday performances are $12 for adults and $10 for children. For more information or to reserve your tickets, phone 770-969-0956 or visit www.stgplays.com.
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