I’ll begin by saying I was very honored to have been chosen as From the Ashes Theatre’s first director and to be a part of its inaugural production, "Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will?" by Del Shores. Ever since directing Sordid Lives by the same playwright, I’ve been looking forward to an opportunity to direct another of his classic plays.
Set in the small town of Lowake, Texas, this comedy/drama presents the reunion of a family gathered to await the imminent death of their patriarch, Buford Turnover. Buford has recently suffered a physically, as well as mentally, disabling stroke. His children yearn for their father’s love, but a couple will settle for his money. It is a story not so much about the impending demise of the father or of the drafting of his will, but of a rebirth of the spirit of the family unit.
The Turnover family eagerly awaits to welcome you into the family home. Sara Lee might offer to style your hair and perhaps Orville will pick up your garbage. You might just catch Lurlene teaching a Bible class in her husband, J.D.’s, church, or Mama Wheelis baking an angel food cake you’d just die for. You may find Evalita hitchhiking for a ride to Blue Bell’s for a beer while Harmony hands you a healthy snack of rice cakes. Buford will no doubt ask you to join him in a game of checkers as Marlene tries to convince you to buy Herbalean from her since she is now a dealer of this weight loss supplement.
So y'all come sit a spell and enjoy spending time with the Turnovers!
John Sallinger
Director
