No Time for Heaven has been called the best family play since Our Town. With a fresh approach to the universal problem of understanding—or lack of understanding—between old folks and young ones, it has an appeal for audiences of all ages. It was first produced by the University of Texas Department of Drama in Austin.

Miraculously, the older members of the audience will feel that the play is sympathetic with their side of the problem, while younger viewers will be just as convinced that the author is on their side. Such is the talent of E. P. Conkle, whose plays have the magic quality of affecting various segments of an audience in varying ways. With his Broadway successes and his many popular one-acts, Conkle has a place on the list of America's distinguished playwrights. We are honored to publish his 1-act, The Jewel in Papa's Crown.

In No Time for Heaven we see Grandma Emmaline Church energetically running her household—and everybody in it—with an iron will. Her biggest problems involve her three grandchildren: stubborn, ambitious Abby, age 19 to 21, wants to become one of the world's first female doctors; cuddly, dreamy-eyed Kitty, age 16 or 17, wants romance; and energetic, clever-witted Thomas, age 14 or 15, wants to have fun. Grandma doggedly goes about the job of arranging all their lives while the youngsters work just as hard to do things their own way. Grandma is convinced that her way "is God's way, and their ways are wicked." Another of Grandma's victims is Jonathan Wigglesworth, the young, brawny, very handsome but very shy village blacksmith whom Grandma decides to turn into a preacher. Grandpa, feeble with age but young at heart, watches it all with a chuckle.

It's fun for the audience to watch, too, and for the actors to perform...with some deeply emotional moments sharing focus with the laughs. The setting is a simple nineteenth century interior, and the costumes are the simple but attractive clothing of a middle-class American family of 1850. (The Director's Script gives details and sketches of costumes and all other technical aspects of the play.) Successfully produced by community, university, and high school theatres, No Time for Heaven—with its comedy and its pathos—is one of those rare plays that will entertain every member of the family.

Four acts. One simple interior; 19th century costumes. Set of 36 color slides (35-mm) showing costumes, set, and action.

"No Time for Heaven drew 3,746 people during its eight performance run. It is also being shown 5 times on television. A widow was still grieving when she came to the play. The next day she purchased a new dress and put up a Christmas tree. It appealed to both young and old with drama, humor, mystery, and intrigue. The ending is priceless."—Daniel Webb, Oakridge Bible Church, Charleston, W. Va.

See also: Plays for Senior Theatre