Purgatory is defined in the dictionary as: a place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven.
What really happens to us after we die? If there is a heaven and hell but neither wants them? What of those that, in life, were social outcasts? The drug addicts, pimps, murderers, homeless, prostitutes, charlatans, what of them? Rejected in life are they also to expect rejection in the afterlife? If so what do they have to say about it?
HEAVEN FORBID(s) explores the idea of an “in between” place or “Purgatory” where those that were socially outcast in life are also outcast in the afterlife. Heaven refuses to let them in until they are cleaned up and hell is at capacity.
Through a series of comic monologues and mini-sketches we meet these colorful characters that have nowhere to go. They are caught in the “in-between” wanting guidance, direction, and, above all, acceptance.
HEAVEN FORBID(s) reminds us that no matter how much we want to turn away from and ignore them these social outcasts do exist; perhaps they are more similar to us than we care to admit. In the course of one evening they will each have a forum where a light will shine on these characters through the telling of their stories and, in turn, show a mirror up to our own prejudices¹ and insecurities...
But...in the tradition of LATINOLOGUES and PICO DE GALLO through lots of LAUGHTER!
THE DEAD CAN SPEAK...ARE YOU LISTENING?
Music
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:
"Hilarity Reigns! Heaven Forbid(s)! works so hard to make a point yet it keeps getting carried away by sheer hilarity...Uproarious laughs...very accomplished and loads of fun." - Lawson Taitte, The Dallas Morning News
"Irony, satire, broad comedy that limbos lower and lower-Heaven Forbid(s)! has all that, but it's funniest when it dares to go one-on-one...A lot of it is dead on." - Elaine Liner, The Dallas Observer
“It’s genius theater that doesn’t rely on splash but on creativity for its boundless energy. Prepare to be wowed.” - Arnold Wayne Jones, The Dallas Voice
"My husband's son (from Seattle) talked about the show for an hour after we left. He loved it. What a testament to the show that Steve and I enjoyed it even more the second time! I will never think of God, the universe, Edith Piaf or pimps the same way again. Thanks for the best 2 hours I have had in ages." ---Candace
"Thank you so much! I haven't stopped talking about the play. It was a WONDERFUL experience. I am recommending the show to anyone who will listen. I feel better about my life and my own ‘dirtiness’. :)" ---Ignacio
"Heaven Forbids! Liked it so much I went a second time and invited 4 guests. Marco Rodriguez and Rhianna Mack are superb in this comedy about tragic lives. I laughed, cried, and identified with the unwanted characters in Purgatory. A must see." ---Joey
“The show was AMAZING, I couldn't stop laughing...As an aspiring actor myself I left the Ice House so inspired and Motivated to work harder and grow as an Actor. You guys are so TALENTED, take care and God bless. P.S. Keep me updated on upcoming shows please :)” -Ivan
"Got to see the show Saturday night. HILARIOUS!! We're still laughing about it! Chupa, chuupaaa. LOL..." ---Karla
"I had a blast last night! It was SO awesome. Congratulations on another wonderful performance and great characters. Especially "Gloria", since she's
named after me :-P" ---Gloria
"I thoroughly enjoyed the show!!! I wanted to commend yall on a job well done in so many areas. What I appreciate is the fact that although I may not agree with all the content, I respect the craft, the time put into it, the superb acting, the heartfelt emotions, the thought provoking messages and so on and so forth! You guys rock! Marco you are a very talented writer, actor, producer, comedian, etc!!! Wow! I'm truly blessed to experience your works! They are inspiring in ways you don't even know. I'll be a supporter as long as you keep doing what you do! So, DON'T STOP! Your work is not in vain!" ---Sametria
"Martice has done it again! I enjoyed attending opening night so much, that I came back the following week to see the play again. Heaven forbids is a "must see"! I can' t remember the last time I laughed so hard. And you will too!" ---Jesse
it's going to be a packed house! woohoo! did you notice that the ice house is also part of the DADA's gallery walk for the same day. that was news to me!
TSL –Welcomes the Professional Networking Society to our World Location: 8-Lounge (1906 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206) Date: Friday, December 7, 2007 Time: 5:30-9PM
Feature Non-Profit: Navidad En El Barrio $10 Admission or a Learning Toy -All proceeds & toys will benfit Navidad En El Barrio (www.navidaddfw.org)
You and Friends are INVITED! WHAT: Salsa Night! Professionals Networking event! WHERE: Mambocafe Club 2020 N. Lamar Down town Dallas, West End District www.usmambo.com WHEN: Oct. 25th, 6-9PM happy hour Stay after for Salsa Dancing Fun! WHO: www.NAHREPDallas.org
Hey what's up guys!!! i'm going this saturday with a bunch of friends to see your show, I been hearing nothing but good reviews. Cora Cardona highly recommended me to go see it...see ya' then and "Break a Leg"...
I sure will, read the article on the paper...it sounds fun!! Had the chance to work with Marco back in the day in Teatro Dallas so I know how talented he is....Break a Leg!!! and see you guys soon:)
I had a blast last night! It was SO awesome. Congratulations on another wonderful performance and great characters. Especially "Gloria", since she's named after me :-P
Marco, Miranda, and Rhi, congrats on the great publicity and review! I'm hopping a plane thursday morning for vacation so won't be able to see it! I'll be thinking good thoughts! Break a leg guys!
Can't wait to see the show tomorrow night!! Working with you guys on Pico was one of my favorite theater experiences! Have a great opening night! MEXICAN OUT!
