Show Synopsis

 

In this riotously funny Southern-fried comedy, the three Verdeen cousins—Gaynelle, Peaches, and Jimmie Wyvette—could not have picked a worse time to throw their family reunion. Their outrageous antics have delighted local gossips in the small town of Sweetgum (just down the road from Fayro) and the eyes of Texas are upon them, as their self-righteous Aunt LaMerle is quick to point out. Having “accidentally” crashed her minivan through the bedroom wall of her husband’s girlfriend’s doublewide, Gaynelle is one frazzled nerve away from a spectacular meltdown. 

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Character Descriptions

 

*Cee Cee Windham (late 40s to 50): “sassy and stylish” hostess of Hospitality House, a low-budget cable access program in Sweetgum, Texas.  Best friend to Gaynelle Verdeen Bodeen.

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*Gaynelle Verdeen Bodeen (late 40s, early 50s): “a walking nervous breakdown” who is fresh off being left by her husband of 27 years, for a younger, red-headed woman.  There was an incident involving her car going into the double wide of said woman’s, for which she has narrowly escaped prosecution.  Must pass a psych evaluation in order to be completely acquitted. Eats whipped cream straight from the can.

“LaMerle and Aubrey have been one-upping each other for decades.”

 

*LaMerle Verdeen Minshew (late 60s to 70): “The well-dressed, self-serving, sharp-tongued matriarch of the Verdeen clan.”  Uptight, elitist whose red velvet cake is legendary.

 

**Uncle Aubrey Verdeen (late 80s): “The good-natured, oxygen-dependent patriarch of the Verdeen family, who wears a nasal cannula attached to his ever-present oxygen tank on wheels.” Often dressed in a suit and tie, is an old bachelor and ladies’ man. Great Uncle to Gaynelle, Jimmie Wy, and Peaches. Uncle to LaMerle.

 

*Jimmie Wyvette Verdeen (40s): “A hearty good ol’ girl with an unfortunate unibrow, dressed in classic men’s Western wear.”  Has worked at Whatley’s Western Wear for 23 years, not a big fan of make-up.  Not often interested in men but has decided to compete with Bitsy for a neighboring widower.  Wrestles/ fights with Bitsy for most of Act II: Scene 3.

 

*Peaches Verdeen Belrose (late 40s, early 50s): “A loud-talking, fun-loving, flashy dresser… The number one mortuarial cosmetologist in this part of the state (TX).” Husband has been missing 7 years, is finally ready to declare him legally dead.  She has “urges” since her husband’s been gone, is now On the prowl.  A busy working woman who is the most put together of the three cousins.

 

**Bitsy Hargis (late 40s, early 50s): “Perky, prim, nosy and a throwback to the 1950’s.”  Is a bit of a southern viper, nice and sweet to your face, vicious when she doesn’t get her way.  Very competitive over a neighboring widower she is trying to “land”; Wrestles w/ Jimmie Wy for most of Act II: Scene 3.

 

*Newt Blaylock (50s): “A high-energy, true Texas eccentric with a patch over one eye, holds a foam head wearing a platinum blonde beehive wig.” Runs Miss Treva’s Wig ‘N’ Bait, wears an eye patch due to a missing eye.  Has a crush on Gaynelle, must fend off Peaches’ and Elsa’s advances.  Eventually falls for Elsa and makes out with her.

 

☆Elsa Dowell (40s to 50s): Psychologist assigned to evaluate Gaynelle.  “European-born, stern and ultra-efficient.”  Becomes obsessed with Newt at one point and pursues him aggressively, they eventually make-out for most of Act II: Scene 3.

 

*Sheriff Grover Lout (50s, flexible): “Mirrored shades and a bad attitude” Somewhat skittish and incompetent, bribable.  Definitely likes to throw his weight around, abuses his power.

 

*Mama Doll Hargis (80s to 120): Special lady to Uncle Aubrey, mother to Bitsy Hargis, a lively lady.

 

**Purvis Verdeen (50s to 60s, flexible): Cousin to Gaynelle, Peaches, and Jimmie Wy.  Loves to take and show pictures of dead relatives.  Wears flashy plaid pants pulled up almost to his armpits.

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Accents:

 

*Southern (TX preferred) accent required

 

**Heavy Southern accent needed

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☆Accent written into the script is sort of a blend of German/Russian/Transylvanian.