SORDID LIVES
‘’ Sordid Lives: The Series” debuted on July 23 on the Logo channel. The series is an offshoot of the very successful play written by Del Shores. Los Angeles Theater audiences are familiar with the hilarious writing style of Del Shores. The titles of his plays hint at their rich humor: ‘Daddy’s Dyin’ (Who’s Got the Will?), ‘Southern Baptist Sissies’ and ‘Sordid Lives’, to name a few. Del grew up in what he describes as the “tiny Texas Republic Bible-thumpin’ town of Winters.” His writing reflects his southern small town roots. It is outrageous, and also big-hearted. ‘Sordid Lives’ was called “a black comedy about white trash.”
In 2000 ‘Sordid Lives’ was released as a film, starring Olivia Newton-John and Beau Bridges. The rest of the cast was mainly made up of what I’d call Del’s repertory company – actors who’ve consistently worked with him over the years. Many of the actors who were in the play and film are also in the series. Not only is Del Shores loyal to his actors but he also writes absolutely delicious roles for everyone, including older women. His female characters are eccentric, opinionated, strong or loopy, but always pitch perfect and very, very funny.
IMDB described the storyline of ‘Sordid Lives’: “We become intimate with the ‘Sordid Lives’ of a family in a small Texas town preparing for the funeral of the mother. Among the characters are the grandson trying to find his identity in West Hollywood, the son who has spent the past twenty-three years dressed as Tammy Wynette, the sister and her best friend (who live in delightfully kitschy homes), and the two daughters (one strait-laced and one quite a bit loose.)” With all these wonderfully, richly-drawn characters thrown together, you know you are in for some huge laughs. The series stars Rue McClanahan, Caroline Rhea and Olivia Newton-John, as a singing ex-con. The rest of the ensemble cast consists of some of the finest character actors Hollywood has to offer. Hopefully your cable provider carries the Logo channel because you don’t want to miss this series and what is sure to be a rollicking good time.
Jan Bina, blogger for In the Trenches Productions, The First Entertainment Network for Women Over 40
