Barbara Tucker, left, and Jackie Daniels go over the script for “Long Lost Relatives,” an original play by Ms. Tucker that will be produced by Dalton State.
Meredeth Kendrick is getting married in three days. The stress of the wedding is already throwing her family into a panic when three “long lost relatives” no one recognizes show up just before the wedding.
What ensues as the play “Long Lost Relatives” unfolds is meant to be pure farce and a welcome change from the real world, said Barbara Tucker, who penned the play.
“There are no deep meanings, no political, philosophical, or religious messages, nothing heavy duty,” said the associate professor of communication at Dalton State. “The play is meant to entertain, period. So come and laugh.”
Dalton State will produce the play this fall. Performances will be at City Park Elementary School’s theater Nov. 20-23. It is directed by Jackie Daniels, assistant professor of communication and theater arts.
Set in Taylor's Crossing in Ringgold and based on family, this script was written with our student body in mind,” said Ms. Daniels. “It is a farce, which can be interpreted as highly comedic with a multitude of obstacles.”
Rehearsals are underway for what Ms. Tucker calls a “fast-paced comedy/farce/murder mystery.”
Tucker, who has written a handful of books and plays, said that writing “Long Lost Relatives” was a completely new experience for her.
“Writing the play was a lot of fun because I usually do not write comedy, and nothing about my novel is humorous or light,” she said. “I wanted to write a parlor mystery with a Southern setting. I worked from there and started pulling in different comedic and cultural ideas such as pretentiousness of class, certain kinds of crime, and wedding craziness.”
“I also drew from screwball comedies of the 30s and the old movie, The Philadelphia Story as well as Agatha Christie,” she continued.
“Long Lost Relatives” centers on Meredeth Kendrick, her slightly older sister, Madison, the high school librarian, and their mother, Merilee, as they try to make everything perfect for their 250 guests.
Meredeth’s father, John Ross Kendrick, a successful insurance broker, is footing the bill for the wedding. Tony, Meredeth's fiancé, is coming in, and soon her brother Bryant and friend Kevin Sutton will be there for the event.
But nothing is simple.
Meredeth's feet seem to be in the freezer.
Kevin and Madison, on the other hand, are old flames and may be on the verge of rekindling their college romance. In the middle of this, three long lost relatives of Merilee's from Mississippi show up at the door. Merilee doesn't know them, and neither does Grandma, but they welcome themselves into the Kendrick home.
Then the fun–and mayhem–begins, especially when a local reporter who is more than a reporter insinuates himself into the mix, along with a few other surprises before the big day can actually take place.
“‘Long Lost Relatives’ was chosen because the characters are ones our audience at Dalton State can feel immediate empathy for,” said Ms. Daniels. “I honestly believe our audience will be thrilled with this production. It is very fast paced and funny.”
“Long Lost Relatives” will be performed Nov. 20, 21, and 22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. in the City Park Elementary School theatre. Tickets are $5 for the public. Tickets are free to Dalton State students, faculty, and staff.