News release
Public Information Office
SLU 10880 Hammond,
LA 70402 phone:
985-549-2341 fax:
985-549-2061publicinfo@selu.edu
www.selu.edu/news
Contact: Angey Saucier
Date: 2/19/03
| SOUTHEASTERN THEATRE PRESENTS “DEARLY
DEPARTED”
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University Theatre will present it’s first production of the spring 2003 season, “Dearly Departed,” March 11-15 in the university’s Vonnie Borden Theatre. “Dearly Departed,” an irreverent, dark comedy by David Botrell and Jessie Jones, follows the Turpin family through trials and tribulations as they try to guide their patriarch – Daddy Bud Turpin, who died at the breakfast table – to his final resting place. Things look bleak for the family, with funeral arrangements, infidelity, threats of domestic violence, and a whole slew of family dysfunctions. “‘Dearly Departed’ is an affectionate family comedy with a bit of satire,” said Southeastern theater professor Kay Files, who is directing the play. “Little did Daddy Bud know he’s the lucky one in this story about family, faith, and fooling around in the Deep South.” Throughout the play, the audience gets to know each family member and their own stories. “Mamma” (Jenny Killeen of Covington), remembers Daddy Bud as “mean and surly,” while eldest son “Ray-Bud” (Jonathan Majoue’ of Baton Rouge) tries to cope with the financial pressures of the funeral itself. The younger son, “Jr.” (Lee Jeansonne of Covington), has his problems trying to cope with his failing business of cleaning parking lots, plus a wife who has just cause for being suspicious of his fidelity. “Aunt Marguerite” (Sarena Wedig of Mandeville) unsuccessfully rides herd on the whole family, while her “no-good” son, “Royce” (Shawn Curry of Luling), waxes philosophical after losing his job at the local sewer plant. Also starring in Southeastern’s production are Betsy Mayeux, Lauren Folks, and Derek Barnes of Baton Rouge; Rachel Smith of Flower Mound, Texas; David Prejeant, Tara Sandifer, Beth Hanson, David Manning and Dustin Diaz of Covington; Rusty Gregoire of Pumpkin Center; and Betty Turner and Erin Klein of Ponchatoula. Jonathan Creighton of Ponchatoula is serving as assistant director and Beth Dicharry of Reserve is the stage manager. Heather Martin of Ponchatoula is designing the set. Cast members will be wearing costume designed by Southeastern theatre faculty member Robin Steptoe. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performances will be available at the Vonnie Borden box office, located in the lobby of D Vickers Hall, beginning March 4 and each evening of the performances. Tickets are $5 general admission, $3 senior citizens and students, and free for all Southeastern students with a valid university ID. For additional information, contact Files at 985-549-3546. |
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