About the Play:

Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got the Will? is a full-length comedy by Del Shores. Revolving around the impending death of the family patriarch, this play hilariously introduces his family and all their Texas humour. As the search is on to find his will, fast and delicious, tense and touching moments are provided by endearingly funny characters. Especially recommended for school and contest use.

Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got the Will? is a dark comedy about a greedy family looking to strike it rich off of their dying father. When Daddy Buford Turnover suffers a series of strokes, his kin – some pure-hearted, some greedy – gather after years of estrangement for the deathwatch. Those assembled include the dutiful Sara Lee Turnover, a middle-aged woman who has traded in her dreams to care for her ailing father and her "Bible-thumping" big sister Lurlene, his youngest child, the oft-married Evalita, and Orville, the sole male heir, with a ton of emotional baggage. Buford might be going to heaven, but his family is going to hell in this fast-paced and fun play filled with comedy, tension, heartfelt moments and interesting characters.

Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got the Will? premiered in 1987 at Theatre/Theater in Hollywood, California and played for two years to turn-away crowds, winning many Los Angeles theatre awards, including LA Weekly's Best Production and Best Writing. The play has subsequently been produced in over 2,500 theatres worldwide, and has become a popular choice for school and community theatre productions.

Cast: 5 female, 3 male

What people say:

"Without becoming ponderous, losing a sense of humor or pandering to timeworn cliches about Texans or Texas drawls, the story shares many elements of a good summer novel: it's a fast, delicious, easy read with funny moments, tense moments, touching moments, and characters you care about." — The Hollywood Reporter

"A masterful comedy." — Variety

"A well written piece of mainstream theatre that's consistently funny and occasionally touching." — The Los Angeles Times

"A knockout." — L.A. Weekly

About the Playwright:

Del Shores is an American writer and actor. He has written, directed and produced successfully across studio and independent film, network and cable television and regional and national touring theatre.