You'll die laughing at 'Dearly Departed'

The Signal Mountain Playhouse is revisiting an audience favorite, the Southern comedy "Dearly Departed," which will open for six performances on Friday, Feb. 9, in Signal Crest United Methodist Church.

When family patriarch Ray Turpin dies suddenly of a heart attack, his wife, children and kin are shaken to the core. His widow, Raynelle, feels conflicted about his passing. His oldest son, Ray-Bud, doesn't know if he "has it" to be the new patriarch, financially or emotionally.

Younger son Junior is lost in a world of businesses started and businesses busted and has marital problems as well. His daughter, Delightful, doesn't talk, but eats lots of chips - Doritos, Cheetos, etc. - to calm her anxieties.

Then add the wives of the sons: Lucille, who comforts Ray-Bud as best she can; and Suzanne, who has the goods on Junior and pins him down for cheating.

Throw Bible-beating cousin Lucille and her shiftless son, Royce, into the equation for more merriment. Add Reverend Hooker, who develops stomach problems at the worst possible moment, and other friends Veda, Norval, Clyde, Nadine and Juanita and the Joy of Life Singers for a perfect circle of Southern-style mayhem.

Two cast members are reprising roles they created when SMPH presented "Dearly Departed" in 2000: Patti Gross as Marguerite and Tim Forsythe as Junior. Also, a mother/daughter combo is included in the cast: Janet McInturff as Lucille and her daughter, Jennifer Baggett, as Juanita.

Directing "Dearly Departed" is Michelle Ford, who brings years of experience in the entertainment industry to the playhouse, having acted in TV and film, directed and holding membership in the Screen Actors' Guild.

Only cash or checks will be accepted for the $15 ticket, which includes complimentary dessert and coffee prior to the show beginning at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door; no advance sales.

For more information: smph.org or call 423-763-7219.