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Daddy's Dyin', Who's Got the Will?

  • Del Shores
  • Full Length Play, Comedy
  • 3M, 5F
  • ISBN: 9780573660450

"A masterful comedy."

Variety

"A well written piece of mainstream theatre that's consistently funny and occasionally touching."

The Los Angeles Times

More information

Description

  • Full Length Play
  • Comedy

  • Set Requirements: Interior Set
Set in a small Texas town in anytime, U.S.A., Daddy's Dyin' concerns the reunion of a family gathered to await the imminent death of their patriarch, who has recently suffered a physically as well as mentally disabling stroke. In essence, however, it is not the story of the impending demise of the father or of the drafting of his will, but of a rebirth of the spirit of the family unit.

Without becoming ponderous, losing a sense of humor or pandering to timeworn cliches about Texans or Texas drawls, the story shares many elements of a good summer novel: it's a fast, delicious, easy read with the funny moments, tense moments, touching moments, and characters you care about.
REVIEWS:

"Set in a small Texas town in anytime, U.S.A., Daddy's Dyin' concerns the reunion of a family gathered to await the imminent death of their patriarch, who has recently suffered a physically as well as mentally disabling stroke. In essence, however, it is not the story of the impending demise of the father or of the drafting of his will, but of a rebirth of the spirit of the family unit. Without becoming ponderous, losing a sense of humor or pandering to timeworn cliches about Texans or Texas drawls, the story shares many elements of a good summer novel: it's a fast, delicious, easy read with funny moments, tense moments, touching moments, and characters you care about."

The Hollywood Reporter

"A masterful comedy."

Variety

"A well written piece of mainstream theatre that's consistently funny and occasionally touching."

The Los Angeles Times

"A knockout."

L.A. Weekly

Premiere Production: Daddy's Dyin', Who's Got The Will? was originally produced by Rex Knowles and Del Shores in association with Jeff Murray and Nicolette Chaffey for Theatre/Theater in Hollywood, California, February 7, 1987. It was directed by Sherry Landrum.

Characters

  • Casting: 3M, 5F
  • Casting Notes: These people are real, not cartoons. It's easy to go for the laughs, it's harder to strive for the truth.

  • SARA LEE TURNOVER - 36, the middle sister. Twenty pounds overweight, the town beautician, sports a bleached beehive. Single and still lives at home. Strong-willed and has a wonderful sense of humor.

  • LURLENE TURNOVER ROGERS - 42, the oldest sister. A preacher's wife and elementary school teacher. Attractive, stylish, very Christian -- but she has a bite.

  • MAMA WHEELIS - 80, the Turnover children's grandmother. She's feisty, speaks her mind, and rules the household.

  • EVALITA TURNOVER - 35, the youngest sister. Six-times married, loves to shock her family. She was a beauty -- and still is from a distance. Has a worn look about her. A wounded soul.

  • HARMONY RHODES - 36, Evalita's latest fiance. A musician and vegetarian. Attractive, tan, off-beat, long curly hair. Looks like Jesus with earrings. Has a past.

  • ORVILLE TURNOVER - 38, the brother. Fat, abusive, unhappy and mean. A redneck trash collector.

  • BUFORD "DADDY" TURNOVER - 67, the father. A stroke victim. Partially paralyzed on his left side, but can walk with a slight limp. Has occasional moments of coherency.

  • MARLENE TURNOVER - 36, Orville's wife. Temporarily overweight. A constant victim of Orville's abuse. However, losing sixty-two pounds can boost a girl's confidence.

    • Available Material

    Name Price
    Daddy's Dyin', Who's Got the Will? Script Order Now

    Set in a small Texas town in anytime, U.S.A., Daddy's Dyin' concerns the reunion of a family gathered to await the imminent death of their patriarch, who has recently suffered a physically as well as mentally disabling stroke. In essence, however, it is not the story of the impending demise of the father or of the drafting of his will, but of a rebirth of the spirit of the family unit. Without becoming ponderous, losing a sense of humor or pandering to timeworn cliches about Texans or Texas drawls, the story shares many elements of a good summer novel: it's a fast, delicious, easy read with the funny moments, tense moments, touching moments, and characters you care about.

    		$24.95

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