"When it's good, it gives thrills unlike any other type of entertainment."
-- The Columbian
The Dead Husband Series, created by local playwright Lou Pallotta was initially staged in 2004 with the first production called Business As Usual which opened at the Portland Meadows Race Track in Portland Oregon. After a short run, the show was moved to Southeast Portland and into the banquet hall at Madison's Restaurant. A number of changes were made to the script and the name was Changed to Who Stole My Dead Husband? to create a more comic feel. The show became an instant cult favorite and played for 7 additional years before closing in 2011. During the run, the troupe performed in numerous locations including Spirit Mountain Casino and The Portland Spirit.
In 2013 we lost one of our original cast members, who passed away suddenly followed by the loss of two additional family members who helped launch and create the show and it's characters.
In 2015, the remaining cast members wanted to do another show so the sequel Why Can't You Stay Dead? was created by Lou Pallotta and opened for a 4 month run at Madison's banquet hall.
The success of both shows is a tribute to the many talented actors, director and supporting staff who were fearless in their performances and abilities to make magic together.
Both shows are a glimpse into the life of growing up Brooklyn-Italian and at its core is a message of family and reconciliation
La Famiglia, Ah Salute!!
Lou Pallotta