My Three Angels, written by Sam and Bella Spewack and set in French Guiana, was first presented on Broadway in 1953. It was based on a French play by Albert Husson – La Cuisine Des Anges (The Kitchen of Angels) from 1952. The more famous movie starring Humprey Bogart, We’re No Angels, appeared in 1955 and is often considered the lesser of the three offerings.
Epilogue Players’ revival of the play, skillfully directed by Catherine Mobley, is filled with wonderful performances and presents the story of three prisoners who help a struggling family of merchants with very pleasing results. Larry Adams, Tim Long and Mason Odle play the incarcerated threesome – Jules, Joseph, and Alfred respectively. Their interplayed timing and humor as they go about solving any number of problems seem well practiced and are a highlight of the show. All three portrayals have moments of perfect choices and Long’s handling of Joseph’s penchant for selling and his creative bookkeeping methods are especially enjoyable.
(From left) Mason Odle as Alfred, Tim Long as Joseph, and Larry Adams as Jules star in My Three Angels playing through Nov. 20 at Epilogue Players. (Photo by Duane Mercier)
Scott Prill, Andrea Odle, and Rachel Bush take the roles of the distressed Ducotel family, Felix, Emilie and daughter Marie Louise. Prill and Ms. Odle’s measured and natural performances are just right for the story, while Ms. Bush offers an exuberance that is charming and captivating as she hopes expectantly for her sweetheart Paul’s return to her side. Taking roles as the villains in the story, Duane Leatherman is despicable as Henri Trochard, who holds the reins on the Ducotel’s failing business, and Grant Bowen is solid and changeable as the opportunistic Paul. Marie McNelis completes the cast in a comedic style as Madam Parole, while Colin Chandler’s denouement moment is indeed a brief one.
Ms. Mobley’s astute handling of timing, pace and blocking issues all contribute to the plays very natural flow and help make the story-telling aspect of the show quite delightful. The Christmas theme was pleasant and not overly done. The set designed by Rich Laudeman, coupled with his lighting design, works very well. Cathie Morgan’s costumes are amazing and are a vivid feature of the show.
Bottom line: Epilogue’s production of My Three Angels is a fine addition to their season – well-developed, with a very talented cast and good attention to both the story’s humor and distresses.
My Three Angels continues at Epilogue Players through Nov. 20. For more information about dates, times and reservations go to epilogueplayers.com or call (317) 926-3139.
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