It’s never too late to try something new.
That’s the behind-the-scenes message from the upcoming world premiere comedy, Momma Won’t Die.
Patty Pell, now 81, attended a writing workshop led by Del Shores (Sordid Lives, Southern Baptist Sissies) with an idea. He quickly told her the story of a 108-year-old matriarch refusing to leave this earthly realm was an excellent source of material for a full-length play.
Based on true events and a real mother who hung on longer than anyone expected, the play began to take shape as Pell collaborated with her daughter, Laurie Pell Grigsby.
And just like that, a wickedly funny southern gothic comedy was born.
Directed by Shores, a man who knows a thing or 16 about southern gothic comic sensibilities, the play has its world premiere at Bryant Hall at the Kalita Humphreys campus this Friday.
Momma Won’t Die runs through Sunday, June 28 and tickets are $38 for all shows.
A few special performances give audiences extra experiences, including June 12 (opening night post-show reception); June 14 Q&A with Del Shores and Patty Pell); and June 21 (Q&A with Patty Pell and cast).
Get ready to laugh, cry, laugh some more, and celebrate the incredible achievement of an 80-year-old grandma kicking off what could be a whole new chapter as a professional playwright.
Momma Won’t Die
Friday, June 12-Sunday, June 28
Tickets: $38
Bryant Hall at Kalita Humphreys
3636 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Dallas
mommawontdie.comPhoto by Jason Janik
