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Rave Reviews for ‘Dearly Departed’ Dinner-Theatre Performances, Closes This Weekend

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The cast of Dearly Departed rehearses at the Fairway Cafe and Venue days leading up to opening night on March 19.

By Jesse Wood

The BeanStalk Community Theatre is in nearing the of its eight-night run of “Dearly Departed” at the Fairway Café and Venue in the Boone Golf Club, and so far things are going great.

“It’s been going really well. It’s been very well received and everybody is raving about the food, so we are very happy about it,” Amy Beane, creative director of the BeanStalk Community Theatre.

The Fairway Café and Venue is the new home to C.R. Catering Kitchen, a sister company of Casa Rustica, which is producing the dinner side of the dinner-theatre performances.

In line with “Dearly Departed,” which is a Southern comedy written by David Bottrell and Jessie ones, the dinner features barbecue and all of the fixins.

The play centers around a family funeral after the patriarch of the family passes away. Beane added that all the characters are stereotypical, such as a bible thumper, demonic son and a woman that finds out her husband is having an affair in a Kmart parking lot.

“It’s been a funs how. We’ve had some new community members get involved, and it’s really been a fun experience for everyone,” Beane said.

In an effort to show support to teachers that come and watch the play, Andrea McDonough – State Farm Agent and CR Catering Kitchen donated $250 each for a raffle that will be held on the night of the final performance. Before each show, any teacher may submit their name for a drawing to be held on the final night and the chance to win $500 to use in their classrooms.

So far Beane said that “quite a few” teachers are attended the play.

“It’s been a really nice turnout and even had a couple parents that got together and bought their child’s teacher a ticket and we thought that was really cool,” Beane said.

Upcoming show dates are March 27 and 28 with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m. On March 29, lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m. and the show starts at 2 p.m.

Doors open 30 minutes prior to the meal and a cash bar is available.

Tickets cost $36.95 and are available at www.beanstalkcommunitytheatre.com or by calling 828-312-0263. The price includes a souvenir “Dearly Departed” glass.

For more info, see prior story on this production below the pictures by Ken Ketchie of the setting at the cafe.
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Tickets on Sale Now for Beanstalk Community Theatre’s Production of ‘Dearly Departed’

By Marianne Minton

Feb. 24, 2015. Who doesn’t enjoy dinner and a show? The BeanStalk Community Theatre is proud to present “Dearly Departed,” a southern comedy about life and loss written by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones. The dinner theatre production will be held at the new CR catering venue at the Boone Golf Course with evening showings held March 19-21 and 26-28 at 7 p.m. and matinee showings March 22 and 29 at 2 p.m.

Untitled1“Dearly Departed” revolves around the mixed up Turpin family as they deal with the passing of the family patriarch. However, in the Baptist bible belt, these times never pass by smoothly. The funeral only continues to add to the Turpin’s mounting personal problems, which are further exaggerated by drawing upon recognizable southern stereotypes.

The eldest son, Ray Bud, drinks himself into oblivion as the funeral bills grow. Junior, the youngest son, has piled too much on his plate. Delightful, the sister, leads the life of a spinster, constantly gorging on junk food as away to cope with life’s dealings.

As if this drama wasn’t enough, the Turpins have the nosiest neighbors who always throw in their two cents. But don’t be fooled – despite the solemn event that sparks this tale, the satire in full production will spark laughter in all who attend.

A barbecue dinner will be served alongside the show with hospitality attributed to Casa Rustica and the new CR Catering. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. for the evening showings and lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m. for the matinees. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the meal so that guests may grab the seat of their preference.

With the motto “Playing Our Part Since 2012,” the BeanStalk Community Theatre has become locally famous for bringing together all varieties of people in the High Country.

Executive Director Andrea McDonough and Creative Director Amy Beane partnered up to form the BeanStalk Community Theatre after successfully directing a play together for the Blue Ridge Community Theatre in 2009. McDonough is a respected small business owner in Boone with a love for theatre and music. Beane is a certified theatre arts teacher with 10 years of teaching experience who enjoys directing many productions.

Have you ever had dreams of performing on stage? The BeanStalk Community Theatre wants to make these dreams come true.

“We highly encourage anyone interested to try out for upcoming productions,” Beane said.

“We want the BeanStalk Community Theatre to be an outlet for creative people who can participate and have fun while still having a full time job and other responsibilities. You’re able to meet a lot of people you might not meet at your everyday job. We have a lot of new faces in this show, and we were thrilled to get to know each other. It really is a community bonding outlet.”

Tickets for “Dearly Departed” are $36.95 with an additional service fee, and tables are filling up fast. Tickets may be purchased online or by phone at 828-312-0263. Along with the dinner and show, each ticket price also includes a “Dearly Departed” 2015 commemorative glass.

Come out and support your friends and neighbors in the BeanStalk Community Theatre with this latest production.