An unlikely gaggle of wounded Allied soldiers have found themselves together in a clinic ward at World War II’s end in John Patrick’s 60-year-old play. The motley crew, from all corners of the English-speaking world—except for Blossom, from Africa—is led by an American, Yank, and enlists doses of slapstick humor at one another’s expense, especially obese Tommy, who is under the care of Nurse Margaret. They’re then asked to take in and befriend a Scotsman, Lachie, whose lone kidney is destined to fail.

Spiteful and emotionally repressed Lachie is a hard bullet to bite, but the troops work hard to win over Lachie before his birthday. It’s a touching look at friendship, love and compassion. The Hasty Heart is humorous and heartfelt without seeming overly sappy.

The Hasty Heart @ Hale Center Theatre, 3333 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, 801-984-9000, through May 28, Monday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday matinee 12:30 & 4 p.m., children $15-$16, adults $23-$26. HaleCenterTheatre.org