2005: Talented cast of "Dearly Departed" keeps audience in stitches

By DONNA HARRINGTON



Washington theater buffs had a special treat this past weekend with three performances of “Dearly Departed,” the Washington Little Theater Co.’s July production.

Although the play centers on the death and funereal of Bud, the head of the Turpin clan, the tone is anything but somber.

Before the play began, Director Bolton Lunceford warned those in the audience that if they were not moved to laughter, perhaps it was because they themselves were among the “Dearly Departed.” Obviously no one in the audience was in that condition because the talented group of actors kept everyone in stitches throughout the show.

The entire cast did a wonderful job of portraying the Turpin family and their friends in this very funny play. The comic timing was excellent and the characters were unique and truly memorable.

Jerry Ray Denard gave a flawless and hilarious performance as Bud’s loud and bossy sister, Marguerite. The interactions between Marguerite and her son, Royce, played by Tony Macchia, were priceless. The Bible-quoting, longsuffering Mama provided pure torment for easy-going offspring. Tony is maturing into a fine actor. His portrayal of the laid-back Royce was excellent.

Billy Creel as Junior and Sarah Peacock as Suzanne were a great couple. The pair’s opening scene in the car was really funny. Suzanne’s level of high drama was excellent and it was perfectly balanced by Billy’s reactions and retaliation. Suzanne’s musical talent was evident in her beautiful rendition of the lovely hymn, “In the Sweet By and By.

Rose Bennett was perfect as Lucille, the sweet and everplacating wife of Ray-Bud. Rick Hawes as Ray-Bud had his finest moments in the scenes with his brother Junior. Either fighting or quietly connecting, both actors were able to give their characters depth and humor.

Jeanie Collins, as Bud’s wife, Raynelle, gave a fine performance. Her calm presence was a good contrast with the near chaos of the rest of her family.

Two actors played double roles in the production. Bill Bufford, who had no intelligible lines, as either Bud or Norval, drew the first laughs of the play. His expressions for both characters were really comical.

Bruce Beggs as Rev. Beverly Hooker and the beer-drinking, good ole boy Clyde, brought to life two very disparate characters. Rev. Hooker’s radio talk was great, but he really shone in his good buddy role as Clyde.

There were several cameo roles in this comedy, but each actor gave a solid performance. Michelle Landry as Delightful, Bud and Raynell’s daughter, was very credible as the teenager who didn’t quite live up to her name.

Jennifer Landry played the wonderfully snooty Yam Queen, Juanita. She was able to show us the woman we all love to hate and then let us see her vulnerable and kind side, also.

Talented veteran, Joan Baker, as Veda, gave an excellent and professional performance. Carol Boyle’s interpretation of Nadine, the mother of many children, brought many laughs.

As always, the production staff provided the backbone of the performance and they are to be commended for their fine efforts. The many scene changes were handled quickly and efficiently and the lights and sound were without a flaw.

Mrs. Lunceford has once again proven her theatrical talents and abilities with this fine production. She is a treasure to our community and we thank her for her imagination and her dedication to the arts.

One last note: I had a scary thought driving home after seeing the performance . . . several of the characters in the play could have been drawn from a few of my own rather eccentric relatives.