Theater Review by Walter Murphy . . . .
In Last Call for Babe Reilly playwright Marianne Driscoll imagines what it takes to make it into heaven: To be kind. Pretty good advice in these fractious times. This is Ms. Driscol’s second play at The Cell and third as part of the Origin 1st Irish Festival. Her take on the current admittance process at the pearly gates is extremely entertaining and a relief to the recently deceased Babe Reilly (John Keating).
As Babe is interviewed by the delightful, funny, and flirty Gatekeeper (Zoe Watkins), filling in for “. . . the tall guy with the high voice and the long beard,” we learn his short life story. Jasper (John Charles McLaughlin), Babe’s guardian angel, is also present and hoping to earn his wings if all goes well. “I only need one more punch on my wing card.”
We learn that Babe is an Irish immigrant, now a Queens resident, adrift since his wife’s passing, having recently been hit by a bus. Based on the Gatekeeper’s assessment, he isn’t quite ready for admittance, so he returns to a time before his marriage and re-meets a young neighbor, Penny (Nicole Borbone), who becomes a way into heaven. While helping Penny through the angst of pre-teen times, Babe also meets his younger self (John Charles McLaughlin doing double duty). Their reunion, which Penny joins, ends with acceptance all around. “Kindness. It was always there.”
Although most of the play’s action happens at the Pearly Gates, the script is packed with Queens references. It is very clever and current within the play’s periods—the present and 1999. The Gatekeeper hopes for some celebrities to process. “Maybe one of the Real Housewives of New Jersey . . . Always sayin’ they’re gonna kill each other.” Envious as in “I hear it’s grander than a wedding venue in Jersey.” 1990 delivers a dance sequence to the B52’s “Love Shack.”
Again the script is clever and with a slightly askew view of the afterlife, Queens, and the NYC educational system. For instance, St Peter, since his retirement, spends his time playing pickleball. “I mean, get an afterlife, right?” Animals and Mets fans go directly into heaven. Mets fans: “Haven’t they suffered enough?” The killing bus: “You wouldn’t think it could go that fast, with all the potholes.” Penny’s impression of her father: “She says he’s got a Roman eye, but … I think he’s actually British.” And her understanding of US history: ”Actually, you look more like Abe Lincoln. Our first president.” Replies Babe: “You need to go to school.”
Each of the four performers embraces their roles with glee. Well, except for McLaughlin, whose Jasper character is bummed he didn’t get his wings. He does rally as a young Babe with a song that leads to acceptance. Well done! Keating is excellent as he projects disbelief, disappointment, heartache, and happiness. Who doesn’t love an Irish brogue and a shock of curly hair? (And no, he is not Queen’s lead guitarist, Brian May, though there’s quite a resemblance.)
As good as the men were, the ladies brought the craic. Watkins’ Gatekeeper was never not funny. At times a little shady, more than a little flirty, and always enjoyable. She also makes a cameo, as an annoyed neighbor, which I wanted to last longer. Young Penny more than held her own with the other professionals. Her portrayal of her mother in the morning still makes me laugh. Brilliant!
As directed by Kira Simring, the hour-long performance flies by and there is a lot going on. Yet, the action never feels rushed or frantic. Well-paced and well-staged. Recorded announcements, songs, and sight gags. Five acts with scene changes.
The scenic design, lighting, and sound, Anita Sibony de Adelsberg, Chris Steckel, and Osaro Ogedengbe, respectively, were all appropriate and professional, as expected at The Cell productions.
As a lifelong Mets fan, I am heartened to learn that the faithful will get a pass into the next life. Additionally, in speaking with the playwright, she pointed out that since the play opened the Mets have gone 8 – 1. My hope is that the play runs through October and the Mets win their third pennant. Sadly, Last Call for Babe Reilly runs through April 28, as part of the Origin 1st Irish Festival. Yankees fans and everyone else can enjoy it until then. LGM!
Last Call for Babe Reilly. Through April 29 at The Cell Theatre (338 West 23rd Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues). www.thecelltheatre.org
Photos: Rory Duffy
