By Janette Turner

“A brain and a heart go walking into a bar,” says a character in “Instant Harmony,” one of eight lucky finalists in the Driftwood Players’ Alternative Stages “Third Annual Festival of Shorts.” In fact, “lucky” is the cornerstone of the show because this year’s theme is “serendipity.”  The show ends Saturday, so if you want to see good fortune in action, you have one last chance.

There are many happy accidents on stage in the form of a narcoleptic sleeping her way to the man of her dreams, a gender-confused dating service, an eavesdropper without manners, and an old man who hates Trail Mix. It makes for an engaging evening as you decide which short deserves your vote for the Peoples’ Choice award.

On Friday night, several playwrights were in the audience, including “Eye to Eye” writer Fred R. Roberts, Jr, from New Orleans, and Seattle directors Keith McGregor and Andrew Tribolini. They must have appreciated the talented Driftwood actors, who bring to life comic and poignant moments in quick order. And in “Instant Harmony,” playwright Joe Starzyk lucked out with Edmonds favorite Terrence Boyd bumbling through an online application form with Patrick Hogan.

But don’t take my word for it. This is your turn to vote. Get to the Wade James Theatre tonight and help decide the winner.