April showers bring May flowers. The month of April also brings with it auditions for the Off Broadway Players first show of 2022. We are proud to announce auditions for Dearly Departed on April 11th and April 12th at 6:30pm. Auditions will be held at J Frank Hillyard Middle School and will consist of cold readings from the script. Show dates will be June 3, 4, 5 and June 10, 11,12.
Below is the play synopsis and cast of characters –
SYNOPSIS:
The beleaguered Turpin family proves that living and dying in the backwoods of the Deep South are seldom tidy and always hilarious. Despite their earnest efforts to pull themselves together for their father’s funeral, the Turpins’ other problems keep overshadowing the solemn occasion. The whole occasion would be downright sad if it weren’t so doggone funny. Poor Raynelle tries to bury her husband while juggling one overworked and hard drinking son, another unemployed and possibly unfaithful son, and a daughter with a serious eating disorder (she can’t stop.) Amid the chaos, the Turpins turn for comfort to their friends and neighbors, an eccentric community of misfits who just manage to pull themselves together and help each other through their hours of need.
CHARACTER LIST:
Bud Turpin – elderly father who dies in the first scene
Raynelle Turpin – Bud’s widow. Christian, family woman who tells it like it is in a quiet unassuming manner – Age: 50-70
Ray-Bud Turpin – Bud & Raynelle’s elder son. Recovering alcoholic – Terribly scared of death and not happy that he has to foot the bill for the funeral – Age: 40-50
Lucille Turpin – Ray-Bud’s wife. Desperately wants to have a baby – Motherly type who tries to take care of everyone – Age: 40-50
Junior Turpin – Bud and Raynelle’s younger son. Completely broke because of bad business decisions. Has had a recent affair that his wife finds out about – Age: 30-40
Suzanne Turpin – Junior’s Wife. Could have been a professional singer but married instead. A bit passive/aggressive in personality. Sings a hymn at the funeral – Age: 30-40
Marguerite – Bud’s Sister. Devoutly and aggressively Christian. Very loud and controlling of her offspring and of any situation. – Age: 50-80
Royce – Marguerite’s Son. Out of work with no future plans which his mother never lets him forget. More of an observer than a doer – Age: 20-40
Delightful – Bud & Raynelle’s daughter. Young woman who was never allowed to grow up. Eats constantly and speaks only when spoken to. – Age: 15 – 25 (Should be able to belch on command)
Reverend Hooker – Parish Minister. A minister tired of ministering. Becomes “ill” at the funeral
Veda – An elderly friend of the family. Caregiver to her sickly husband and doesn’t let anyone forget it – Age: 50-80
Norval – Veda’s Husband. Hard of hearing and hard to understand. Being kept alive by oxygen masks and medication. Age: 60-80
Nadine – A younger pregnant friend of the family. Seems to get pregnant just by looking at a man. All her children are named after famous actors – Age: 20’s
Clyde – Ray-Bud’s boss. Knows exactly how he wants to die. First priority is to “Take care of our own” Age: 40-50
Juanita – Cousin by marriage. Very wealthy, very proper. Helps serve the food at the luncheon. Bit of a gossip. Age: 30-50
The Joy of Life Singers – Age 14 and up
In addition to on stage talent, we could use help back-stage, building the set and rounding up props for the show. For more information, please visit www.offbroadwayplayersva.org.
Hope to see you at the theatre!
