REVIEW
A Little Piece of Heaven
St. Albert Dinner Theatre
Feb. 15 to 17 and 22 to 24
Kinsmen Banquet Hall
47 Riel Dr.
Tickets: $55/adults; $50/seniors. Call 780-222-01012 or online at www.stalbertheatre.com
If you’re looking for a sweet play without any mush, St. Albert Dinner Theatre’s new production, A Little Piece of Heaven, is one to see.
Right from the nostalgic introductory song, Give Me A Little Piece of Heaven, to the softly raised lights on a shop filled with oddities, there’s a certain homespun familiarity to it.
This two-hour plus comedy-drama revolves around an antique shop, and its somewhat enigmatic owners, Henry and Elizabeth. They constantly spar, but underlying the punchy one-liners is a touching affection.
The couple doesn’t exactly run a booming business, but the shop has an unusual amount of good luck in stocking what customers are searching for.
Set designer Donna Beeston has artfully arranged the stage with numerous eccentric and maverick objects such as an elephant statue, a doll house, a rusty cream can, an antique phonograph, Japanese plates and a sword to name a few.
Every corner is packed with oddities of lost things that suggest there’s a secret ripe for the solving.
In this mysterious emporium, Michael Cain, a down-on-his-luck biker wanders in while his motorcycle is in the repair shop. For seven years, he’s been on the road zipping across the country never staying too long in one place.
A friendly man, Michael strikes up an acquaintance with everyone – everyone that is except Lily Adair, a tart, sharp-witted 87-year-old who freely speaks her mind.
Michael and Lily immediately clash. Although the duo initially circle each other like two cats sizing up their opponent, their misgivings evolve into deep trust and compassion before the final exit.
An atypical parade of characters wander through the store such as Judith, a husband-prowling mailwoman and Jared, a man desperate to remain youthful for Glory, his much younger wife. And then there is a nameless man who comes searching for a missing, autographed baseball that is part of family lore.
Director Christina Estillore introduces 13 actors with different levels of experience and abilities that display a generous amount of personal chemistry.
Rob Beeston as Michael is the troubled guy next door who hides his pain under a series of jokes and wisecracks. Beeston seamlessly wears Michael's frailties yet exudes the strength and confidence to create a fully-fleshed character.
St. Albert Dinner Theatre favourite Joanne Poplett, as Lily Adair, received the loudest round of applause as the lonely widow bestowed with one last gift. Poplett successfully parlays Lily’s lemony exterior while retaining the inner softness of a woman still deeply in love with her husband.
The most touching and poignant moment of the play is when Lily and Michael engage in a Viennese waltz, a ritual the elderly woman shared with her husband once a year.
Bob Beddow as the easy-going Henry appears completely comfortable and relaxed while Shelby Bryan as Elizabeth creates an edgier role.
Anne-Marie Smyth as Judith delivers a comic, over-the top performance of a woman desperate to nab a husband. Brett Hammerlindl as Jared reveals a knack for setting up punch lines for his aging character while Monica Lefurgy as Glory, the younger wife, is the delightful, no-nonsense counterpoint.
A Little Piece of Heaven sells more than lost items. It sells warmth, hospitality and the belief we can all start over again.
The show runs at Kinsmen Banquet Hall Feb. 15 and 17, 22 to 24.
