HOMETOWN ENTERTAINMENT: “Closing Arguments” is newest offering at Bear Theatre in downtown Roanoke

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - The newest play at the Bear Theatre, “Closing Arguments” centers around the unexpected death and funeral of the Dalton family matriarch.

“They bring with them all their shared issues, their dysfunctions, the family past and hilarity ensues is all I can tell you,” says writer and director David Walton.

Walton says this family puts the “fun” in dysfunctional, calling the play a blend of comedy and drama.

“There are moments, I think, that people are going to laugh. There are moments people are going to squirm a little bit because you’re going to likely know some people that are in this family, because I don’t think they’re family’s a whole different from a lot of us,” says Walton.

James Gabello plays one of the main characters, Marlon Dalton-- now the sole owner of the family “junque” shop.

“I had left law school when my father died to go home and to run this store with my mother. So, I’ve been living there and running things with her ever since, he says. ”I spend the better part of this play just trying to hold everyone together and get everyone through this and sort of just move on."

Both say the show is appropriate for all ages, but those who have lost a loved one will understand its themes a bit more.

“And it’s funny. And it’s-- you may cry a little bit. You’re definitely going to laugh a little bit. But it’s good for everyone,” says Gabello.

Performances on Friday and Saturday nights start at 7:30 pm. Sunday’s show is at 2:00 pm.

You can buy tickets at this link.