In 1991 two Kentucky-born actors co-wrote Vanguard's current production, Dearly Departed, playing at the Westminster Theater. This piece of charmingly funny rural humor has been called "drop dead funny" -- an amusing pun.
The production opens with Bud dropping dead at the dinner table in front of his suffering wife, Raynelle (Gwenda Measel). Of course, as he falls to the floor, he kicks the bucket, sending it rolling under the table. Just a hint of the humor to come. George Blum plays Bud, always reading a newspaper. Blum returns, this time seen as the one sensible son, Ray-Bud, the only rational progeny in a dysfunctional southern family. Blum's portrayal of Ray-Bud balances out the rest of the siblings' lack of work ethic. Well, really, lack of just about any ethic. Fortunately, Ray-Bud has an understanding, and normal, wife, Lucille (Sandy Hotchkiss Gullans. Both turn in excellent performances).
Royce (Jerry Marcu) takes pleasure in being permanently idle. Though, it must be said he is looking to marry, have a child, and get on welfare. His mother, Marguerite (Jo-Darlene Reardon), unsuccessfully tries to dominate him. Then there is Junior (Bob Matchinske), a big good ole boy that has invested in a parking lot cleaning machine; however, he failed to see if there'd be a market for this great advance in science. He also appears to have a fidelity problem, probably as a result of living with his shrewish wife, Suzanne (Lesley K. Pearson). Amy Mayer plays daughter Delightful, obese and snacking. Poor Mayer will no doubt gain weight in her role.
The principals have an amusing supporting cast in O P. Hadlock, Cindy Ryan, Diane Neil, and Steve Oggel, with a chorus comprising Deborah Ford, Kathy MacCarthy, and Pam Monroe. The design and technical staff do a nice job. In the production. director Tom Haine, an excellent actor-about-town, plays the role of Clyde.
Dearly Departed is rural humor at its best. There have been shows about rural Upper Peninsula Michigan and Minnesota that, like this production, captured the essences of regional humor. A look at this strangely charming family of misfits who bicker about how Daddy shall be remembered and eulogized, is very funny with just a touch of pathos.
