Curtain opens on ‘Dearly Departed’ March 5

The Sunflower RV Resort Playhouse in Surprise, 16501 N. El Mirage Road, will kick off its eighth season by presenting the comedy "Dearly Departed," next month.

Four performances are slated beginning with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 4. Evening presentations are at 7 p.m. on March 5, 6 and 7. All shows will take place in the Sunflower Ballroom.

"Dearly Departed" is a lighthearted tale about how a family and friends cope with the passing of their patriarch. This sad event creates silly consequences as the group tries to deal with the present and past experiences at the same time.

For example, eldest son Ray-Bud has a liking for liquor and a dislike for funerals. Junior, Ray-Buds’ younger brother, must cope with his failures in business, an angry and emotional wife, and a brood of kids. Delightful, the younger sister, tries to drown her sorrows by eating everything in sight. Meanwhile, deceased Buds’ sister, Marguerite, has her problems with a lazy son.

Added to all of this is a bunch of equally comical friends and the Joy of Life singers. This creates the largest Sunflower Playhouse cast ever.

Tickets are available online at cal-am.com. Click on the concert series header and "buy now." Scroll down to Sunflower Resort and select the desired play date(s). Follow the ticket ordering instructions. Ticket price is $12 for resort non-residents plus sales tax and a ticket processing fee.

IF YOU GO

What: "Dearly Departed"

When: 7 p.m. on Monday, March 5; Tuesday, March 6; Wednesday, March 7

Where: Playhouse At Sunflower Resort, 16501 N. El Mirage Road, Surprise

Tickets: $12, at cal-am.com