Footlighters Cast Shows Off Comedic Stylings in 'Dearly Beloved'

By Darcie Flansburg
Real Critics Editor/Publisher

What do you do when the bride and groom don't show up for the wedding? Well, in Jones, Hope and Wooten's "Dearly Beloved" the family puts on one heck of a show, on and off stage.
As the guests arrive the Futrelle-Dubberly family is catching up in the dining hall. When the family realizes the bride and groom are nowhere to be found, the wedding planner quickly puts on a show of all the local talent that is present at the wedding in hopes that the bride and groom will soon show up.
Redlands Footlighters' production of "Dearly Beloved" was jam packed with seasoned actors that made the most of the comedic small town characters.
Mary Carruthers had impeccable timing as Miss Geneva Musgrave. The florist and wedding planner had her hands in more than just the flower arrangements, and every time she bustled on stage in her tennis shoes and shouted "okay people, listen up," the audience knew something hilarious was about to happen.
Janet McCellan made another priceless appearance on the Footlighters stage as the hot and hot-flashing Honey Rae Futrelle. Honey Rae is the estranged family member whose appearance causes drama, and McCellan delivered Honey Rae's quippy one-liners flawlessly. From her continual hot flashes to stories of her 5 ex-husbands, McCellan had the audience guffawing every time she opened her mouth.
And Lauren Deards was adorable as twins Tina Jo and Gina Jo Dubberly. Deards' innocent portrayal of the bride's sister Gina Jo made cow insemination seem almost charming.
But every character had their moments. Sue Bray had everyone laughing as she tried to make the wedding work while her boyfriend Wiley Hicks (Kadn Fox) hallucinated on too much cold medication. Mia Mercado was a very sultry yet vicious mother of the groom Patsy Price. And Catherine Soto was a strong mother of the bride as the ever questioning Frankie Futrelle.
The strength of the ensemble was further exemplified by the return of the Sermonettes. The performance by the trio gave Bray, McCellen and Soto a chance to show off their singing chops. It was a lovely and harmonious way to round out the show and resolve the conflict between the sisters.
Tom Hurst also designed an amazing and multi-purposed set for the show. The set had to act as a bathroom, the outside of the building, the dining hall, the florist shop, Frankie's boudoir, a car and more. Credit should also go to the stage crew who moved each set seamlessly.
Director Jeff Richards produced yet another hilarious show. The Jeff Foxworthy redneck track was a nice touch as well.

Redlands Footlighters features "The Unexpected Guest" May 13 through 30. Visit www.redlandsfootlighters.org for details.