Set in the small town of Lowake, Texas, in 1986, Del Shores’ Daddy’s Dyin’… Who’s Got the Will? tells the riotous tale of four very dissimilar grown siblings who come together after their father suffers a debilitating stroke. One wants to maximize time with Daddy before he goes, while another seeks forgiveness for a long-ago transgression. The remaining two just want to find their father’s will so they can cash out. Unfortunately, Daddy can’t remember where he put it.
The hilarious and touching world of dramatist Shores is inhabited by well-rounded characters exhibiting plenty of heart, gumption, and droll Southern eccentricities. But at the core, his stories are about family. The head of this particular kindred is Mama Wheelis (Amanda Burr). As the grandmother, she rules the roost and is not afraid to take her razor strap to her ungrateful grandchildren, Lurlene (Kat Anderson), Sara Lee (Louise Ross), Orville (Winston Gieseke), and Evalita (Jasmine Shaffer). Add to the mix Daddy Buford (Terry Huber), who watches imaginary television and plays checkers by himself; Orville’s weight-obsessed wife, Marlene (Dani Jara); and a pot-smoking hippy musician named Harmony (Sam Schwartz) to round out the winning ensemble in an entertaining and heartfelt comedy that puts the “fun” in dysfunctional.
The play is directed by Richard Marlow with set design by Toby Griffin, projections by Nick Edwards, lighting by JW Layne and costumes by Derik Shopinski.
Daddy’s Dyin’…Who’s Got the Will? runs March 17-26. Show times are 7 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $32 for adults and seniors, $17 for students. Group discounts are available.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or other information, call the PCT Box Office at 760-323-5123 or order online at palmcanyontheatre.org. Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, at the corner of Alejo Road and Palm Canyon Drive. Box Office hours are currently Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
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About Palm Canyon Theatre:
Palm Canyon Theatre is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the education of live stage production and the enrichment of the greater Palm Springs community and its visitors. The regional repertory theater company operates primarily with volunteers and produces about 13 Broadway musicals and classic plays each year, plus offers a children’s theatre camp and production. The theatre opened its doors in 1997 when Dr. William “Bill” Layne and his family renovated the historic Frances S. Stevens School located at the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road in Palm Springs, Calif.
