But itÕs putting in the revered cemetery Miss GertrudeÕs body that darn near splits B Flat, his NEgra buddy U.S. (super sweet, sensible guy Carroll Hunter), and good ole Doc (really good old Jim Lovett) from the other townsfolk. What a to-do over what to do, Ôcause an awful hitch happened down to Neil Kasanofsky-as-owner JuneÕs funeral parlor. Sure as shooting Douglas SnureÕs contrary Mr. MozelÕs dying to git ridda anyone different, certainly B Flat, U.S. , and if Miss Gertrude wasnÕt downright part and parcel from and of Second SamuelÑwell, her too. Good thing a sensible guy like bar owner Frisky (likeable Mike Gilbert) is gonna clear things up, specially after B Flat, no less, gives a grand spiel about what someÕd call tolerance vs. prejudice.
Well, with all such grand characters (additionally Laurie ColtonÕs particular Jimmy DeeAnne, Allan Kollar or on some days Murray ChaseÕs big man Mansel, Arianna DeCecco or Kenzie BallietÕs young hairdresser Ruby, Lori ChaseÕs super OmahaÑfrom a family that named everyone fer cities and states, and Nancy DentonÕs Marcella who sings), thereÕs gotta be a return to talk of what food to bring following the funeral. EverythingÕs lit so nice and sunny by Christopher A.D.Parrish, who knows too how to switch scenes from the salon to the saloon. EveryoneÕs dressed casual or spiffy as need be, due to Francine SmettsÔ clothes designs. Everything on stage works together in Donna BuckalterÕs scenery, like every last actor does, owing to Murray ChaseÕs Direction. Sandra Henderson stage-manages the whole thing, even Dorian BoydÕs sound with Michelle KasanofskyÕs arranged music. Alison ProutyÕs musical accompaniment would have warmed the cockles of Miss GertrudeÕs heart. The whole bunch of characters hum on her ole front porch at the end, that takes all of an hour and thirty-five minutes, even allowing ten out between acts. And not an audience-unappreciated minute in the lot.