The Whidbey Playhouse says it’s “homicide for the holidays,” as they present the classic comedy “My Three Angels” by Sam and Bella Spewack, Nov. 6 to 29.
Set in a penal colony in early-20th century French Guiana, the story concerns the Ducotel family, which, with great inefficiency, manages a general store.
The shop is in deep debt and on the way from France is an evil-minded cousin to oust the father of the family from his business, and his cold-hearted nephew, Paul.
Dave Myers plays the kind but foolish businessman and father, Felix. He hires three convicts to fix the roof on Christmas Eve.
The “three angels,” Joseph, Jules and Alfred, whose wings were removed by the justice system, are two murderers and a swindler. They overhear the Ducotels’ dilemma and decide to help the well-meaning family set matters right.
The story may sound more dramatic than comedic, but “My Three Angels” takes a warm and witty look at our long-standing convictions of right and wrong.
“This will make people feel good about themselves as they walk out the door,” Walbeck said.
The benevolent scoundrels are played with good humor by Fil Baca, Fred Conley and Jim Otruba. The convicts use their collective criminal knowledge to help the family.
Adrienne Hart plays the bubbly teenage Ducotel, whose emotions roller coaster as her love, Paul (Wes Ralston), both fancies and rejects her. She receives word that he is engaged to marry another woman. The girl’s unnerved mother Emilie (Joyce Napoletano) is constantly on edge about the felon roofers and the family’s mounting troubles.
Then there’s Jim Siggens who plays the arrogant uncle Henri Trochard. It’s a genuinely menacing character, and the “Scrooge” of this holiday story.
“It’s fun to be able to play someone opposite of who you are. There’s all kinds of George Clooneys in the world, but Jack Nicholson always has more fun,” Siggens said.
“My Three Angels” is a respite from typical holiday fare and includes true justice, humor, love and family. It also contains live animals, if you’re wondering who “Chicken Little” is in the program.
This charming holiday play opens Nov. 6 at the Whidbey Playhouse and closes Nov. 29. Tickets are $16 each, but for a group of ten or more the price is $15 each. Show times are 7:30 p.m. for Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances and 2:30 p.m. for Sunday matinees. Call the box office at 679-2237 for further information, show dates, group discounts or reservation, or visit www.whidbeyplayhouse.com. The playhouse is located at 730 SE Midway Blvd.
