Dearly Departed

Dearly Departed, the delightful Southern comedy by David Bottrell and Jesse Jones, serves up a down-home slice of life and death—featuring an array of colorful characters reminiscent of those you enjoyed in Pump Boys and Dinettes and Greater Tuna.

This brief but hilarious peek at a few days in the lives of the Turpin family avoids many of the Southern stereotypes often embraced by non-Southerners. You won’t see Scarlett O’Hara…or Foghorn Leghorn…or Gomer Pyle…or any of those loveable folks from Deliverance. The events and characters in Dearly Departed are both funny and endearing because they are no more (or no less) far-fetched than reality.

Come share these moments with the Turpins, as they prepare for the funeral of a not-so-beloved patriarch. You may be delighted to recognize people you know and love—-warts and all. Yet, between the many laughs, the strength of this family and their bonds shines through, offering an added bonus for those possessing a bit of compassion or insight.

Directed by Barry Thornell, the cast of Dearly Departed includes, Pat Kulish, Carl Franz, Tonya Nix, Shannon McFarlane, Grant Thornell, Shawn Chevalier, Mark Hilgert, Mike Crause, Kristin Dorris, Claudia Herndon, Eric Robinson, Virginia Stooker, Warren Frank and Julia Swan.

Dearly Departed will be performed at the Alton Little Theater Showplace from March 16 through March 25. Call 618-462-6562 for reservations.

	Pat Kulish (Raynelle Turpin) has appeared in several productions at Alton Little Theater and also for the Alton Children's Theater. She lives in Alton with her husband Richard. She is employed at C21 Seniker-Edwards in Godfrey and interprets the mass in sign language at St. Mary's Church in Alton on Sundays. A special thanks to her husband for all his support.
	Carl Franz (Royce) enjoys acting in community theater. His appearances at ALT include roles in Pump Boys and Dinettes, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and Harvey.
	Tonya Nix (Marguerite) is happy to be back on stage with all of her friends and some family. (She shares the stage with her niece Kristin.) When she's not on stage, chances are you'll find Tonya working backstage or in the light booth. She most recently played roles in Funny Money, Harvey, and Beehive, the 60's Musical . Tonya thanks Barry for directing this play and for recognizing the nuances that others might have overlooked, offering each character an opportunity for depth, honesty, and redemption.
	Shannon McFarlane (Suzanne Marie Turpin) is "all jazzed up" about working with director Barry Thornell again. The last time was in the role of the loveable, foul-mouthed genius in last season's Proof. She wants to thank her main man Joe, her (and everyone's) good buddy Edie, her dog Salem, family and friends … and the audience, for not leaving or throwing things when she starts to sing.
	Grant Thornell (Junior Turpin) last appeared at ALT as Nick in the 2006 production of Over the River and Through the Woods. His other roles include Albert Einstein in Picasso at the Lapin Agile, as well as appearances in The Boys Next Door, Murder on the Nile, and It Runs in the Family.
	Shawn Chevalier (Lucille Turpin) works for Homeland Security as a Security Officer for TSA at Lambert. A single mother of 3 crazy teens, Shawn has been acting for over 15 years. She first acted in Cheyenne, Wyoming and toted her children when they were small to all of her productions. She has been acting here in Illinois with the Looking Glass Playhouse in Lebanon since 1998 and the Broadway Center for the Arts in Belleville since its opening. Shawn is proud and grateful to again be performing at ALT and she looks forward to performing in many more shows. So keep a look out!
	Mark Hilgert (Ray-Bud Turpin) last appeared on the ALT stage as several characters in Red Herring. His other ALT credits include roles in Dr. Cook's Garden, Daddy's Dyin' … Who's Got the Will?, and Move Over, Mrs. Markham. Mark's day job is as the Office Manager at WBGZ. He salutes his wife Toni for her constant support and patience.
	Mike Crause (Reverend B.H. Hooker) is making his fourth appearance in an ALT production. You also may remember him from his roles in The Odd Couple, Death in England , and The Boys Next Door. "Someone once told me the key to happiness is to identify what you like to do and then do a lot of it. I love to play on this stage," says Mike. Mike offers a special thanks to his wife, Pat, for her active help in the learning of lines and the "nurturing of the character I portray."
	Kristin Dorris (Delightful Turpin) is appearing in her first role at Alton Little Theater. A senior at Alton High School, Kristin is active in her church, Abundant Life, where she participates in youth and adult choir, praise team, and human videos. She also appeared as the chimney sweep in Abundant Life's production of The Gospel According to Scrooge. Kristin would like to thank her aunt, Tonya Nix, for encouraging her to audition and for having the faith that she could get the part. "Without her, I wouldn't have had the wonderful privilege of meeting all these people who love acting just as I do."
	Claudia Herndon (Juanita) has never played a Yam Queen before, but she has played various roles on the ALT stage—most recently as Constance Lawson in last season's Death in England. She's happy to once again be among a fun and talented cast and is hoping she doesn't accidentally slip into a British accent. Claudia appreciates the encouragement and support from both friends and family, and she dedicates her performance to her mom, who was always her biggest fan.
	Eric Robinson (Clyde) is appearing in his second production with director Barry Thornell, having appeared as Gabe in the 2004 production of Fences. Earlier this season, Eric played Vinnie in The Odd Couple. A resident of Alton, Eric is a History instructor at Lewis and Clark Community College. He dedicates his performance as Clyde to his late mother, Joyce Robinson.
	Virginia Stooker (Veda) is happy to be a part of this wonderful cast. She is a thirty-year member of Alton Little Theater, and is currently a member of the Play Selection Committee. She appeared in ALT's 2004 production of Harvey.
	Warren Frank (Norval) is still working on the correct inflection for his last line. Somehow he just can't seem to get it the way he wants it, but he keeps working at it. Feel free to evaluate and comment on the nuances of his performance. Sadly, it may take you longer to read this bio than Warren is on stage, but his impeccable timing and witty turn of a phrase promises lasting memories for the theater lover. He wants to thank his lovely and understanding wife, Ann, for her support of his obsession to be on stage. During the day, Warren is principal at Zion Lutheran School in Bethalto.
	Julia Swan (Nadine) has been involved in theater and music for 12 years. She hopes this is the first of many appearances on the ALT stage. A "typical" actress/waitress, Julia loves shoes and cheesecake. When she's not working (or getting a tattoo), Julia can be found babysitting or working with kids at church.