For six evenings in March, David Rousculp, general manager of Harper’s Community Funeral Home (New Haven), temporarily transported community members to the fictional village of Grapplin, County Sligo, Ireland, by producing and directing the play Flanagan’s Wake.

This long-running, hilarious show depicts an Irish wake at which mourners gather after the death of namesake Flanagan. Unlike traditional plays, however, this highly interactive piece requires audience members to contribute elements of Flanagan’s “story” each night. This means cast members must weave a new tale on how Flanagan died every performance; no two shows are ever the same. “The actors have to be fearless and on top of their game with their improv skills,” Rousculp said. “You have to totally believe you are the character and live in this small village in Ireland.”

Adding to the less traditional nature of this show, Rousculp also chose to stage the play at Harper’s Community Funeral Home. When attendees showed up at the firm, actors interacted with them from the moment they stepped inside the doors. Said Rousculp: “People seem to love the concept of seeing a show outside a traditional theater lately. The funeral home had all the props and the environment here. We just needed improv actors, and Fort Wayne is loaded with such talent.”

All proceeds raised from the performances were donated to Shepherd’s House, a long term, residential/transitional housing center for alcohol- and chemical-addicted men. Rousculp presented a $3,000 check to the Shepherd’s House staff on April 4, 2024, but, after the presentation, an anonymous donor unexpectedly matched that amount, resulting in a $6,000 contribution. Overall, Harper’s has raised a total of $13,000 in four years for Shepherd’s House. harperfuneralhome.com