THE STORY: Mr. Jordan is checking passengers who are to depart in an airplane for the Hereafter. The routine is interrupted by the arrival of Joe Pendleton, an attractive prizefighter, who refuses to admit he is dead and induces Jordan to look up the "records," which reveal that Joe is not scheduled to arrive for another 60 years! But, as Joe starts to return to earth to continue his fighting, word reaches Heaven that Max Levene, Joe's manager, thinking he had been killed, had Joe's body cremated, and Joe has no body to return to.
Jordan promises to find Joe another body and is informed that the wealthy Jonathan Farnsworth is about to be murdered by his wife. So Joe suddenly finds himself in the home of the financier, visible as Joe to the audience but apparently as Farnsworth to Mrs. Farnsworth, and the public.
The comedy begins when the pompous "Farnsworth" unaccountably goes into training as a fighter. In addition, "Farnsworth" decides to share his wealth and right the wrong "he" did to charming Bette Logan's father. Bette, having despised Farnsworth, finds herself falling in love with him and he with her.
Just as Joe (still in Farnsworth's body) is about to get a chance to become a fighter, Jordan reports that Farnsworth does not approve of Joe's treatment of his body (and money) and is raising a fuss to have it back. While deciding on another body for Joe, Jordan receives a flash that K.O. Murdock, the champion, has been mysteriously shot. As K.O. is about to be counted out Jordan transfers Joe's spirit into the body of K.O. in time to have K.O. remain champ.
There are still problems to be straightened out when Joe really becomes Murdock and loses memory of his previous existence—including Bette. Fortunately they meet and fall in love again—and Mr. Jordan is free to head for the Hereafter, his earthly task accomplished.
Jay Fink is directing.
Rehearsals
begin March 11 (three weeknights & Sun. afternoons); runs May 11-13 &
18-20 at St. Jean's Auditorium in NYC.
Auditions will be held March 7 & 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the St. Jean's Auditorium, 167 E. 75th St. (btwn. Lexington & Third aves.), NYC. No appts. necessary. Sign-up begins at 6 p.m.; do not arrive earlier. Sides will be provided; prepare for cold readings. For questions, email stjeansplayers@gmail.com. Do not submit pix & résumés. For more info, visit www.stjeansplayers.org. No pay, but credit provided.
Seeking—Joe: mid-20s, prize
fighter, big, brawny, sweet but simple fellow; Mr. Jordan: mid-40s+, head of
heaven's messengers, imposing and important, you want to listen to what he says;
Messenger 7013: male, any age, precise and meticulous little man; Julia
Farnsworth: mid-20s to 30s, stylish and sophisticated, tries to kill husband;
Tony Albert: mid-20s to 40s, suave and slimy, Julia's boyfriend and accomplice;
Bette Logan: mid-20s to 30s, Joe's love interest, honest, strong, with a core of
goodness you see right away; Max Levine: mid-40s+, Joe's trainer, tough outside
with a warm heart; Other Roles: male and female, all ages, strong comic timing a
plus for all, for small to midsize roles. Note: Seeking 15-18 characters,
including 12 males and six females, ages 18-70s. There are seven principal
roles.
Come on out and join us! This is going to be a really fun show!
