Review: Heaven Can Wait by Winters Theatre Company

It’s a long drive to Winters, so why would you go there? Well, perhaps to see the fine production of Harry Segall’s fantasy romantic comedy Heaven Can Wait by the Winters Theatre Company. These old classic stories are what this company does best, and despite the casual setting of a community center, this one is a lot of fun.

Boxer Joe Pendleton, on the verge of becoming heavyweight champion, is prematurely whisked away to heaven by a novice heavenly “messenger” who wanted to spare him the pain of inevitable death in an airplane crash.

But Joe wasn’t supposed to die. He was scheduled for 60 more years of life, in addition to winning the championship. Because his own body was cremated, Mr. Jordan, the heavenly chief, must find him another body.

After a long search, they finally settle on the body of a millionaire tycoon named Farnsworth, who is about to be murdered by his wife and her lover. Needless to say, the two would-be murderers are confused by both Farnsworth’s survival and his change of personal habits and philosophy.

Outstanding in this production are Tyler Tufts as Joe, Lyra Dominguez as his love interest, and especially Scott Graf as his manager, Max.

Take a walk on the wild side—drive to Winters, grab dinner in one of its fine restaurants, and enjoy this production of Heaven Can Wait.