SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

HEAVEN CAN WAIT
by Harry Segall

November 2005

Director's Note

Ever wonder what would happen if a messenger from the afterlife were to snatch your soul before it was your time? If this is something that worries you, there are plenty of films that address this very topic, including Here Comes Mr. Jordon ('41), Heaven Can Wait ('78), and, most recently, Down to Earth ('01) starring Chris Rock. And all of these films have one thing in common… they're all adaptations of Harry Segall's original 1930s theatrical comedy, Heaven Can Wait.

Some critics have described Segall's original script as “clumsy,” but most admit that the story itself is timeless and comedic (which explains why it has been adapted again and again). When I first read the text, I saw such potential for an entertaining show with fabulous roles for young actors. So, my thinking was that with a bit of editing—okay, maybe a lot of editing—we could produce a comedic show, tackle different character types and have fun in the process.

Before casting, I cut over 10 characters and edited the script. I also decided to change the gender of some of the roles (particularly Jordan , who is the “head” messenger from above), giving women a stronger presence onstage. Then, during rehearsals the company enjoyed finding discrepencies in the script and collectively we further edited the text. After much hard work (and at times even fun!), we hope you enjoy our interpretation of Heaven Can Wait.


Production Artists & Staff

Director: Christine Mangone

Scenic and Lighting Designer, Technical Director: T. J. Laffan

Stage Managers: Jason Della Salla, Jose M. Rosas, Ryan Westwood

Costumes: Erie Playhouse

Lighting Technician: Ryan Westwood

Sound Technician: Jason Della Salla

Special Assistant to the Technical Director: Random JJ Laffan

Set Construction and Lighting Assistants: TH 189: Katie Aldhizer, Sarah Anthony, Chentil Chisholm, Connie Chung, Robert Cook, Jason Della Sala, Ray M. Givens, “Mr. Jeremy,” Greg Kriston, Ivy Freya Joy Laffan, Chrissey Lambert, Erin Leigh Mathes, Tim McNeal, Michael R. Roddy, Christopher Schmidt, Ryan Westwood

Ushers: Christine Mangone, Jose Della Salla, Pat Sharbaugh

Poster/Program Design: Wendy Kallgren

Photographer: John Fontecchio

Actors: Prema Bangera, Casey Brown, Matt Davidson, Donte Hart, Jared Kaiser, Amanda Kinross, Julie Kosin, Njomza Lafiti, Gregory Ramos, James E. Salyers, Pat Sharbaugh


Thank You to the following organizations and people for their donations, time and support:

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Wendy Kallgren

John Fontecchio

Norma Hartner

Brenda Bane

Ken Miller (and the Office of Student Affairs for its generous funding for the costumes in this production)

Dewayne Wright

Christine Palatella

Valeria Engelleiter at WP$E Radio Station

Stacey McCoy

 

Rich Konkol (of Konkol Welding at 825-6976)

Clifford Hammer (of Hammer's Discount Flooring at 725-6705)

Gary Viebranz

Jennifer Slack

Meghan Whitesel

Zack Mentz

Eric Bell

Richard Davis at Erie Playhouse

The Morris' and Lewis/Hunnicut's

Damon Kelliher

Cindy Laffan

Maintenance and Operations Staff

 

 


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Updated March 10, 2006
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