Performances are produced by Love Street Playhouse and will take place Nov. 21-Dec. 7 at The Cedars Public House in Brush Prairie

“The Dead Husband” returns to the stage with an all-new production, the third in the series, entitled “Was He Better Off Dead?” The dinner show runs for three weekends from Nov. 21 through Dec. 7, Fridays through Sundays with two shows on Saturdays, at the Cedars Public House in Brush Prairie. Presented by Love Street Playhouse and written by Lou Pallotta, “Was He Better Off Dead?” follows the Fishetti Family as they prepare for the 2025 holiday season. 

From the creator of “Who Stole My Dead Husband?” which ran for nearly eight years in Portland, and “Why Can’t You Stay Dead?” comes a new madcap holiday comedy dinner show, “Was He Better Off Dead?” This hilarious extravaganza invites you to take your place at the Fishetti clan’s holiday table as they entertain family and friends at the beautiful Spumoni Gardens Restaurant (The Cedars Public House).

Lovers of “The Dead Husband” series know that each show stands independently from the previous two shows. According to Luigi, the boss, “Seeing a ‘Dead Husband’ show is like going to the family’s house for Sunday dinner. If you missed the last one, it doesn’t matter because the story never changes.” Each unique production will thrill audiences old and new. 

THIS IS NOT A MURDER MYSTERY! 

It’s four courses, twelve songs, a million laughs and one dead guy! This zany and hysterical interactive musical comedy dinner theatre production is a page in the life story of growing up Brooklyn-Italian. 

Touted as Portland’s longest-running theatre production, “Who Stole My Dead Husband?” ran from 2004 through 2011, with performances across Oregon and Washington, including Spirit Mountain Casino and four months on the Portland Spirit. 

And now, “Was He Better Off Dead?” promises to be a lively and entertaining addition to the celebrated series. According to the playwright, “There will be no thinking involved. Just eating, drinking, laughing, singing and dancing. It will be the most fun you will have in the theatre this holiday season! The show is about family, love and reconciliation, and at times like this, what better way to celebrate and toast to a brighter future! It’s a pill swallowed best with a glass of Chianti.”

So, we recommend reserving a table and bringing your family and friends for a BIG NIGHT OUT! Capisce?  

The return features most of the original cast from our 2023 show, including Lou Pallotta of Ridgefield as Luigi Fishetti, Sharon Mann of Vancouver as the grieving widow Concetta, Dani Baldwin of Portland as Luigi’s daughter Angela, John Casale of Gig Harbor as Johnny Boy Fratelli, Dirk Foley of Portland as Carmine Coletti, Kim Dewey of Vancouver as Aunt Marie, Alan King of Portland as Dominick Coletti, and it will also feature Wayne Yancey of Vancouver as Jimmy/Momma. The group will be joined on stage by the incomparable Bo Ayars of Portland on piano, Larry McCullough of Vancouver as Carlo Russo on accordion and Bobby Pallotta of Vancouver on drums. 

About the venue

Former golf course clubhouse turned community hub, The Cedars Public House is an expanding multi-faceted gathering place for all ages. The restaurant features an eclectic selection of elevated americana curated to satisfy a variety of palettes. Their full service bar features 16 taps as well as craft cocktails. They feature live music every Friday and Saturday evening and fun activities such as Bingo and Trivia. The Diamond Ballroom hosts public events like Comedy Night and can also be booked for private events of all sizes. The Parlor features amenities including their craft Coffee Bar serving beans from local roaster, Relevant Coffee, a Maker’s Market stocked with curated goods, and a small Bodega with basic groceries and grab n’ go foods.

Directed by Love Street’s Artistic Director, Melinda Pallotta, who has assembled a creative team to support this effort that includes Kristen Johnson as Stage Manager, Nicole Harwood as Props Designer, Lorraine Little as Costume Designer, Tracey Hugo as House Manager, Ben Sheragy as Light Board Operator and Bobby Pallotta as Light and Sound Designer. 

TICKETS to ”Was He Better Off Dead?” dinner show are $79 & $85, and are on sale now. They can be purchased online at www.LoveStreetPlayhouse.com or by phone at (800) 966-8865. 

Performance dates and times:  

• Friday, November 21 at 7 p.m. 
• Saturday, November 22 at 1 p.m.  
• Saturday, November 22 at 6 p.m.  
• Sunday, November 23 at 1 p.m.  
• Friday, November 28 at 7 p.m. 
• Saturday, November 29 at 1 p.m.  
• Saturday, November 29 at 6 p.m.  
• Sunday, November 30 at 1 p.m.  
• Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m. 
• Saturday, December 6 at 1 p.m.  
• Saturday, December 6 at 6 p.m.  
• Sunday, December 7 at 1 p.m.

Spotlight sponsor for this production: Laynes Funeral Home, Battle Ground. 

Local businesses contributing to Love Street Playhouse include Welch Cabin: A License to Chill; Fibre Federal; Holland America Flowers, Benno Dobbe, Owner and President; Umpqua Bank of Woodland; Lewis River Studios of Woodland; Third Street Villas in Woodland; Crisp Home Connection of Woodland; Business Cents NW of Vancouver; Woodland Truck Line; Woodland Funeral Home; Erica Rodman of Woodland Real Estate; and Lelooska Foundation.