Social - October 2002

Play depicts the silly side of the South

By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer

October 11, 2002 - Funeral and financial ruin somehow evolve into comedy in David Bottrell and Jessie Jones’ “Dearly Departed.”

Actors with the Cherryville Little Theatre will bring the story of the dysfunctional Turpin family to the stage next week.

Director Tish Merrill says the situations and characters look familiar to anyone living in the south.

“These are people that I know,” she says. “This is a real southern play about southern people.”

And the cast of veteran actors meet the challenges of the silly, slapstick production.

“I have the funniest, most demented and talented cast,” she says laughingly.

While the comedy is light-hearted — hidden in words spoken with a southern twang — Merrill admits the subject matter may not be appropriate for young children.

“It’s got mature subjects.”

Characters juggle financial problems, drinking too much, overeating and suspicion of infidelity.

But the mature subjects are almost uplifting with the presentation.

“If someone has had a rough week and needs to laugh, they need to come here,” Merrill says. “It’s the funniest play I’ve ever seen.”

The cast for “Dearly Departed” includes Judith Metz, Meredith Fish, Henry Buckley, Anette Goforth, J. Michael Medlin, Clay McLean, Bunny Yancey, Lawrence Welch, Fran Ellis, Robin Kerr, Lisa Roland, Karen Rawlings and Charlie Reep.

Merrill last directed “Love Letters” in April at Cherryville Little Theatre. She says working with the community theater is a win-win situation.

“They are so supportive and helpful,” she says. “They take care of business and let me be creative.”

Performances will be Thursday, Oct. 17, Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Reservations are not required.

For more information call 704-853-3732.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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