Hartland Drama Club will perform “Dearly Departed” Friday through Sunday, Nov. 10-12, at Hartland High School (HHS), 10635 Dunham Road in Hartland. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2:30 Sunday.
“Dearly Departed” is a full-length comedy by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones. It premiered in 1991 and received critical acclaim that same year in its Off-Broadway opening at the Second Stage Theater in New York; then, when produced in Los Angeles, it received six Drama-Logue Awards including Best Play Writing.
Here’s the plot summary: In the Baptist backwoods of the Bible Belt, the dysfunctional Turpin family comes together to plan a funeral for the family Patriarch, Bud. Despite their earnest efforts to pull themselves together, Bud’s sons Ray-Bud and Junior, sister Marguerite, and widow Raynelle do their best to ensure a dignified memorial, but familial squabbles keep overshadowing the solemn occasion. Firstborn Ray-Bud stresses himself silly as the funeral bills mount; Junior, the younger son is juggling financial ruin, a pack of no-neck monster kids, and a wife who suspects him of infidelity; their spinster sister, Delightful, copes with death as she does life, by devouring junk food; and all the neighbors add more than their two cents. Amidst the chaos, the Turpins turn for comfort to their friends and neighbors, an eccentric community of misfits proving that living and dying in the South are seldom tidy and always hilarious.
“Dearly Departed” is a side-splitting ensemble comedy that’s both a parody of and a love letter to life in the Deep South.
“I’m very excited for Hartland Drama Club to be able to bring this show to our high school stage,” said Scott Usher, artistic director. “Our students have the opportunity to portray some especially zany characters and present a story that will make our audiences laugh and have a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon or evening. I just cannot wait for everyone to experience this story.”
Hartland Drama Club’s production of “Dearly Departed” will not disappoint with outrageous humor, absurd situations, witty dialogue, and exceptional comedic timing that will have you laughing in your seats. If laughter is good medicine, “Dearly Departed” is sure to cure what ails you!
Tickets are available online at www.hartlanddramaclub.org and at the door. Tickets purchased in advance are $13 for adults and $11 for seniors, students, and children. Tickets purchased at the door are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors, students, and children. Group rates are also available.
Come and enjoy this show with us. For more information, contact Scott Usher at (810) 626-2360 or via email at scottusher@hartlandschools.us.
“Dearly Departed” CAST INCLUDES MAIN ACTOR AND UNDERSTUDY:
Ella Falkenhagen and Dominic Hoskins as Bud; Laurel Comiskey and Gemma Jaworski as Raynelle; Sienna Dietze (Student Director) and Avery Lesnek as Marguerite; Felix Sleeman and Christian Primm as Royce; Eli Ellis and Lunar Miller as Delightful; Therin Preiss and Nick Cipolla as Ray-Bud; Ruby Landacre and Kate McMahon as Lucille; Preston Dixon and James Dusseau as Junior; Alayna Miller and Carolyn Phillips as Suzanne; Skye Schlueter and Jimmie Wirt as Reverend Hooker; Megan Patrick and Mara Laibly as Veda; Christian Primm and Ell Hahan as Norval; Paige Reck and Josie Archer as Nadine; Nick Cipolla and Felix Sleeman as Clyde; and Jadyn Savage (Student Producer) and Brielle Shortt as Junita; Joy of Life Singers: Lucy Egenolf, Meredith Cannon, Malia Klumpp, and Hannah Morgan; and The Mourning Crew: Guadalupe Cruz, Tiffany Casto, Victoria Guetschow, Audrey Hall, Kiersten Bradberry, and Iliyana Hudson.
Avery Lesnek as Marguerite
Parents: Anna & Richard Lesnek
Grade: Senior
Activities: Treble Chorus, Optimist Club, and work at Hartland Culver’s
Hobbies: Pencil Sketching, Running, Fashion and Constructing
Future Plans: I plan on going to GVSU to major in Nursing and minor in Criminal Justice, my end goal is to be a medic for the Army and continue my studies in the medical field, specifically being a SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner).
What is your favorite scene in Dearly Departed and why?
My favorite scene is Act 2 Scene 4 with Ray-Bud and Clyde. I think the connection they have with each other is drop-dead hilarious. Clyde is only in a couple of scenes but his reactions to Ray-Bud’s character are very well done.
What is an important message this story works to share with the audience?
I feel that this story shows us not only the importance of family but shows us that even in a time of sadness and hardship, there will always be people who will be there to support you.
Are you also on a crew for this show? If so, what has your experience been like on that crew?
I am on the Hair and Makeup Crew, as well as the Marketing crew. I love being a part of the Hair and makeup because I am a very artistic person. As for Marketing, I didn’t know what I was doing exactly, but going around and becoming familiar with the people and businesses of the community made an impact on me and the show financially.
What has your character or this show taught you?
For most of the show, Marguerite is stern and annoyed with the aspects of her family. She learned near the end that not everything has to be a sin but a learning experience filled with successes and failures, some including her own.
If your character had a theme song, what would it be and why?
I feel the only song that suits her is “Blessed Assurance” as that is the song she introduces herself within the first Act.
If you were to describe your character in three (3) words, what would they be?
Cross, Traditional, and Honest
Paige Reck as Nadine
Parents: Lauren & Jason Reck
Grade: Freshman
Activities: I participate in plays and musicals.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing guitar.
What is your favorite scene in Dearly Departed and why?
My favorite scene in Dearly Departed is Scene 4 of Act 2 because there is a lot of humor in it and the people in the scene do a really good job of portraying their roles.
What is an important message this story works to share with the audience?
An important message that this story shares with the audience is that even during tough times, family can come together and be there for you in the end.
What has your character or this show taught you?
This show has taught me the importance of family.
If your character had a theme song, what would it be and why?
My character’s theme song would be Shake It Off by Taylor Swift, because even though Nadine is not very smart, she has had a lot of failed marriages, and her kids annoy her sometimes she continues to shake it off and maintain a positive attitude. Even if it is sometimes foolishly positive.
If you were to describe your character in three (3) words, what would they be?
Clueless, Hopeful, and Talkative
Megan Patrick as Veda
Parents: Malissa & Eric Patrick
Grade: Junior
Activities: Hartland Choir!
Hobbies: Playing guitar, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends
What is your favorite scene in Dearly Departed and why?
My favorite scene in Dearly Departed is the last scene where everyone unites together for Bud’s funeral. It’s a heartfelt moment in the show and has real meaning underneath all the comedy.
What is an important message this story works to share with the audience?
I think an important message this show conveys to the audience is that family always comes together. Things may get hard or may be odd, but family is family no matter what.
What has your character or this show taught you?
Veda has taught me a lot in my journey with her. But one thing she gave me was respect. Respect for those with situations like hers and a feeling of strength with how strong she is for taking care of her dying husband and still somehow having a good time.
If your character had a theme song, what would it be and why?
With full confidence, I would say Veda’s theme song would be “I Will Survive” By Gloria Gaynor.
If you were to describe your character in three (3) words, what would they be?
Three words that describe Veda would be: charismatic, strong, and deranged.
Marissa Kelly & Dianna Roberts
Parents: Kerri & Scott Kelly AND Alice & Ken Roberts
Grade: Juniors
Activities: Marissa enjoys being in Drama Club AND Dianna enjoys Band, Drama, and Winter Guard
Hobbies: Both enjoy painting and crafting at home
What is your favorite scene in Dearly Departed and why?
The funeral home scene, because it’s the only one we’ve seen while being on Set, and there’s the most going on in that scene.
What is an important message this story works to share with the audience?
During hardship and grief, your family will always be there to support and love you.
How has your time in Set influenced your love for the arts?
Our time on set has influenced our love of painting, hanging out with friends, and watching the actors on stage in between scenes. Overall set has helped our interest and love for the performing arts grow.
What is your favorite set piece you helped create for this show?
Creating the avocado wall for the living room scene, and also having the porch come to life.
What is something this show has taught you about your craft?
This show has helped our love of painting grow and our painting skills have become better overall! We love creating things for the show.
