Exclusive Interview: Emily Mick and Sean Harbert of Pontiac IV Theatre’s ‘Dearly Departed’

As a therapist, I can attest that sometimes laughter is the best healing medicine. Typically, we tend to release pain through tears, but when we can channel our grief into laughter, we get relief amid all the sadness. Dearly Departed explores the journey of grief in the Turpin family, who lose their patriarch at the show’s beginning. However, this play also understands the importance of laughter, lacing the exploration of loss with the need and desire for laughter, with a show that makes you laugh until you cry. Ahead of the arrival of this play at Pontiac IV Theatre, we spoke with the director of Dearly Departed, Emily Mick, and assistant director/cast member Sean Harbert!
In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Mick and Harbert discuss what drew them to this show and how it has challenged them in their respective roles. What is it like to balance directorial duties with also being on stage? What is Mick’s process for translating her vision for Dearly Departed to the stage? How does Harbert bring the character of Junior to life on stage? And how does Kenny Chesney’s “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” factor into this all? You’ll have to listen to this interview to get all those answers and learn more about what you can expect when attending Pontiac IV Theatre’s Dearly Departed!
Find the audio version of this podcast here, on Apple, Spotify, or most places podcasts are available!
Visit Pontiac IV Theatre and laugh hysterically at Dearly Departed!
There are limited performances of Dearly Departed at this local community theater, so if you’re looking for a hilarious night out, grab those tickets for Pontiac IV Theatre’s Dearly Departed! Have you seen a production of Dearly Departed before? Plan on visiting Pontiac IV Theatre to see their production? Let us know your thoughts on social media @boxseatbabes!
Pontiac IV Theatre’s Dearly Departed is Alive with Personality!