The World Premiere production of a local playwrights' work is a special added bonus to conclude Burlington County Footlighters' celebratory 70th season. Tragedy and humor collide in Timothy Sagges' twisted new comedy, Final Respects, presented for six performances only on June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28, 2008, at 8:00 pm. The Footlighters Playhouse is at 808 Pomona Road in Cinnaminson, NJ.

The original 16-character play invites audiences to the somber affair of laying a loved one to rest. This time around, however, things simmer, boil and finally erupt as the past and present collide with hilarious results. The play does contain adult content, so it may not be suitable for younger audience members.

Sagges also serves as director for this debut production. The cast features a number of favorite performers from past Footlighters shows, as well as some newcomers: Gabrielle Affleck of Philadelphia, Joe Ahmed of Pennsauken, Bob Beaucheane of Philadelphia, Matt Becker of Cinnaminson, Dan Brothers of Maple Shade, Lauren Burdey of Medford, Monica Burke-Gangloff of Philadelphia, Cyndi Debor of Philadelphia, Jack Gwin of Beverly, Emily Huddell of Haddonfield, Jeff Marcoccia of Moorestown, David Marquart of Cherry Hill, Brandon Monokian of Lumberton, Suzie Ramsdell of Delran, Anh Truong of Philadelphia and Paul Weaver of Delaware.

A resident of Oaklyn, NJ, Sagges has performed on the Footlighters stage in Urinetown and Man of La Mancha. His other on-stage credits include The Sound of Music, Our Town, Fiddler on the Roof, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Barefoot in the Park, Guys and Dolls, Annie Get Your Gun, Noises off and My Fair Lady. His off-stage credits include directing Steel Magnolias and Not Now, Darling as well as several other productions; technical directing; lighting and set design. He is the recipient of New York City's 2003 OOBR (Off-Off-Broadway Review) Award for set design.

Tickets are $20. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 856-829-7144 or visit www.bcfootlighters.com

Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts through a grant to the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders.