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Theatrical comedy meets reality TV in the upcoming production of “Dearly Departed,” an innovative multi-media experience coming your way from the �鶹��Ƶ Theatre Department.

“This specific type of performance has not been done by �鶹��Ƶ’s Theatre Department where we integrate a live feed from a camera used by one of the actors and project onto two screens,” said Lisa Stefanic, �鶹��Ƶ adjunct professor and play director. “It will be as if someone is filming what is happening on stage for a reality TV show. The person behind the camera, while not an original character in the play, becomes a quiet member of the show’s cast.”

This dark Southern family comedy, written by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones, will be a multi-media experience using live-streamed video on screens to tell a story that has been likened to the “bucolic mayhem of ‘Greater Tuna.’” Stefanic added, “This is a new approach to a funny play.”

“Dearly Departed” is the rollicking, but barbed wire-sharp story of the dysfunctional Turpin family -- a typical contemporary clan who gathers after their father's passing to plan the funeral. Of course, the characters arrive with their own unique issues, personal agendas and self-serving perspectives. Dying is seldom convenient, but in the Turpin family, it can be hilarious.

The play pokes fun at families even as it celebrates their unbreakable ties, and holds a mirror up firmly for the audience to experience some universal truths – and to remember just how crazy their own family can be.

The cast for “Dearly Departed” includes Melissa Harris as Raynell; Josh Arbaugh as Royce; Nancy Chambers as Marguerite; Abigail McVickers as Lucille; David Moreland as Ray-Bud; Bailey Workman as Suzanne; David Watson as Junior; Jim North as Reverend Hooker and Bud; Anna Crowley as Delightful and Nadine; Celeste Arras as Veda and Juanita; and Justin Hendrix as Clyde and Norval. Amber Trotter is the production stage manager.

The performances are 8 p.m., Feb. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 and 2 p.m., Feb. 16 and 23 at the �鶹��Ƶ Southeast Campus VanTrease Performing Arts Center for Education (PACE) Studio Theatre. For ticket information call (918) 595-7777 or .

PHOTO: Cast photo for �鶹��Ƶ Theatre Department's production of "Dearly Departed."