‘Reaper’ performance explores death, dying

PALMER — Valley theatergoers are invited to a special performance of P. Paullette MacDougal’s one-woman play “Waltzing the Reaper” at 7 p.m., April 14 at Palmer High School.

The show is playing here thanks to a family connection between actress Judith Gantly, who stars in the one-woman performance, and her sister, Ellen Gantly, who lives in Palmer.

Gantly is donating proceeds from the play to Valley Hospice Resource Board.

“One thing led to another and now I’m performing it as a fund-raiser,” Judith Gantly said.

Oh her website judithgantly.com, “Waltzing the Reaper” is described as a “deeply moving and humorous look at the patient and caregiver journey through the dying process and a last opportunity to mend a broken family relationship.”

Ellen Gantly said her sister has traveled around the country performing this one-woman show and another by the same playwright.

“She is a schoolteacher, but she would have really liked to make acting her life’s work,” Ellen Gantly said.

Judith Gantly is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and teaches in New Jersey.

She said the play is wonderfully written and the subject matter is important for families who will all — sooner or later — deal with the loss of a loved one.

The play focuses on a woman who is dying and performances typically include a post performance discussion, Judith Gantly said.

“We all will die,” she said. “Sometimes I think people might not want to come to see a play about someone dying.”

Ellen Gantly said MacDougal wrote “Waltzing the Reaper” specially for her sister.

When Judith Gantly first saw the script she took it as a message from her friend Joyce, who was then in the hospital hooked to all sorts of machines and waiting to die.

“It’s a lovely play. I think it should be seen,” she said.

Tickets are $10 and on sale from Valley Hospice Resources volunteers. The performance includes a reception with light refreshments. Seating is limited.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 376-2711 or 746-7078.