Daddy's dyin': Who's got the will : a comedy in two acts

by Del Shores

Set in a small Texas town in anytime, U.S.A., Daddy's Dyin' concerns the reunion of a family gathered to await the imminent death of their patriarch, who has recently suffered a physically as well as mentally disabling stroke. In essence, however, it is not the story of the impending demise of the father or of the drafting of his will, but of a rebirth of the spirit of the family unit. 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 it's a fast, delicious, easy read with funny moments, tense moments, touching moments, and characters you care about. -The Hollywood Reporter

Genres: Plays

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Desirae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Del Shores (who's first name is Delferd - there's a joke there, but it works best when he says it,) after viewing a staging of this play at the Camelot Theater in Talent, Oregon.

Despite the very 80's, very raunchy title, there's meat on the bones of this play. In particular, I enjoyed Maureen and Harmony's story.

Del mentioned that a lot of his real life family was in this play, in particular, the character Evalita, who is based on Del's aunt Rita, who did not speak to him for seven years after the play was made into a film in 1990.

[John Geddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as uproarious as Sordid Lives, this is still very good. Very true and specific to its lower class, rural Texas location and cast of characters. Not always likable, it’s still an interesting scene-chewing play that would be fun for an audience.