It would be hard to imagine a goofier or funnier set of individuals than the members of a Southern family named the Turpins who are the central characters in the hilariously funny play “Dearly Departed,” written by David Dean Bottrell and Jessie Jones, opening November 4 at Good Neighbors Theatre, 8780 Highway 111 in Byrdstown, Tennessee.

Show dates are: Fridays and Saturdays on November 4, 5, 11, and 12 at 7:00 p.m. Sundays on November 6 and 13 at 2:00 p.m.

The cast has had such fun with rehearsing this play—yes, it’s that funny! In fact, you may be convinced you’ve run across one or two of their characters in your past.

The fun begins when the head of the family, Bud Turpin (portrayed by Fannie Hill), suddenly keels over and dies at the kitchen table while his wife, Raynelle, is reading a letter to him from his sister, Marguerite.

His death brings the family together, at least physically, and the rest of the show is spent watching all the fun getting Bud into the grave.

The sanest character is the none-too-grieving widow, Raynelle (deftly played by Linda Saunders). While everyone else wants to find some virtue in the deceased, Raynelle recognizes him as “mean and surly,” which is what she wants on his tombstone.

Sister, Marguerite (played by Jamie Garrett), is a Bible-toting widow who sings hymns over the phone to her son, Royce, hoping to redeem his wayward soul. Royce (played by Jeremy Barnett, a newcomer to the GNT stage ) is a no-account who loves tormenting his mother.

Raynelle has three children, one a daughter named Delightful ( Samantha Harden) . Son, Junior ( Tyler Martin ), has lost all his money trying to start a business washing parking lots. His wife, Suzanne ( Martha Pratt ), will never let him forget how his failures have ruined her life.

The other son, Ray-Bud (Tom Murray) is the closest to being responsible. Ray-Bud is the only one with a job and knows he’s going to be stuck with the funeral bill. He’s kept sane throughout by his wife, Lucille (Shawn Hammock).

Others in the cast include : Bob Saunders playing multiple roles in his debut performance as Norval and Reverend Hooker. John Mullins plays a fellow named Clyde. Veda is played by Missy Davis; Also making their debuts on the GNT stage, Paige Mayercik plays the role of Juanita; and LeMegan Shelton plays Nadine. The Joy of Life Singers are Fannie Hill, Elizabeth Norris, and Melva Nunnery.

Don’t expect anything heavy or illuminating from “Dearly Departed” — just plan on laughing a lot. You’ve gotta love the Turpin family, but heaven forbid you’d wake up and discover you were related.

Good Neighbors Theatre is expanding its horizons in the arts which will give the community an opportunity to see works of local and area artists on display during the production of Dearly Departed. The art exhibit entitled “Autumn Beauty” will be held at the theatre in tandem with the fall performance of “Dearly Departed”. Works of a variety of local artists will be on display.

There will be a “Meet the Artist” event held on Saturday, October 29th from 6:00-8:00 pm to kick off the exhibit. The exhibit will run from Saturday, October 29th through Sunday, November 13th coinciding with performances of the production.

Ticket Prices for “Dearly Departed” are $12.00 plus tax/adult and $8.00 plus tax/Child between three and 12 years of age. Lap babies two and under are free. Tickets are available at the Byrdstown-Pickett County Chamber of Commerce. All pre-reserved tickets must be paid for at the time the reservation is made. Stop by the Chamber located at 1005 Highway 111. The Chamber’s phone is 931-864-7195.

Tickets may also be purchased at the Good Neighbors Theatre ticket booth on the night of the performances. All ticket sales are final. Unused tickets are non-refundable.

To purchase by mail, please mail the following information with payment to: Good Neighbors Theatre, PO Box 493, Byrdstown, TN 38549. Name, phone, email, number of adult tickets at $13.17, Number of child tickets at $8.78, and total amount enclosed. Also indicate the performance you want to attend: November 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and/or November 13.

All Reservations by mail must be received day prior to selected date. Please provide a complete list of names/dates of all ticket holders for the reservation. Tickets for mail-in reservations are held for Will Call at the GNT Ticket Booth on the night of the performance/s you select.

Those requiring special assistance must indicate their need at the time reservation is made. Make checks payable to GNT at P.O. Box 493, Byrdstown, Tennessee, 38549. Messages may be left at 931-864-4569.

Good Neighbors Theatre is an equal opportunity provider and employer.