East Carolina University’s School of Theatre and Dance and the Beaufort County Arts Council are partnering in a performance that will bring music and slapstick comedy to the Turnage Theatre stage.

“This is the first time that we have dealt strictly with the School of Theatre and Dance for a full performance, so that’s going to be a lot of fun because it’s certainly a quality department they have there — one of the best in the state,” said Joey Toler, BCAC executive director.

April 11, the two team up to present “Lucky Stiff,” a musical about a man who unexpectedly inherits $6 million from an unknown relative, but in order to claim the money, must jump through some ridiculous hoops, including taking the deceased on a trip to Monte Carlo, according to Michael Tahaney, the director of the show and an associate professor with the School of Theatre and Dance.

“It’s kind of like ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ with a twist. It’s not that story, but it’s a musical version of that kind of idea,” Tahaney said. “I’ve lived with it for many, many weeks while we’ve rehearsed it, and it still makes me laugh.”

He described the show as a comic farce; its nonstop music and action, along with the slapstick element, will appeal to anyone who likes a good laugh.

“To me, it’s definitely appropriate for all ages. It has adult themes in it, but it’s not raunchy or full of controversial issues — unless you consider a dead body in a wheelchair on vacation offensive,” Tahaney laughed. “That’s why we chose it: we knew it would be something that would be a lot of fun with high entertainment value for our audience without being dated. It has a universal appeal.”

The performance is the first of its kind for the School of Theatre and Dance and the BCAC. Ticket sales will cover copyright fees the school has to pay, along with transportation costs for cast, crew and set, but any money grossed by the theatre will stay with the theatre, according to Tahaney.

“It works for both of us because it offers us a beautiful venue for us to perform in and, if we get good ticket sales from our community, that helps support the Turnage,” Tahaney said.

Tahaney is no stranger to directing shows at the Turnage — he played a substantial directing role in the inaugural performance at the gala event that launched the theater’s revival in 2007. Since, he’s had a hand in putting on several shows there, including a jazz revue/BCAC fundraiser last year, but his love of downtown Washington’s historic theater goes beyond appreciation of a nice performance space. When he and his wife Catherine moved from Greenville to Washington in 2013, the Turnage became their community’s theater.

“I have a vested interest in Washington and its cultural offerings and knowing that the Turnage is a vital core, or hub, of the arts in the community, I really want to see it succeed,” Tahaney said.

“Lucky Stiff” will be ECU’s first foray into lending its weight to the Turnage’s success, but hopefully not the last, Tahaney said.

“We’re hoping it will have a great turnout and be successful,” Tahaney said. “If it is, we will make the performances at the Turnage a regular part of our season.”

The April 11 performance of “Lucky Stiff” begins at 8 p.m. at the Turnage Theatre, 150 W. Main St., Washington. Tickets are $12.50 – $15 and are available online at www.beaufortcountyartscouncil.org or by calling the box office at 252-946-2504.