Hoarse Raven Theatre

Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding

by An Artificial Intelligence
Conceived by Nancy Cassaro
Originally produced by Scott Ashton Swan

Venue: St. Andrew's Wesley United Church and Century Plaza Hotel
Dates: On going, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays

Reviewer: Jane Penistan

Directors: Michael Fera and Tania Dixon-Warren Choreographer: Candice Woloshyn
Stage managers: Gail Folka, Donald Chambers

On a cold and dark winter's night, what better way to warm up and eat, drink and be merry than by attending Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding. This hilariously riotous entertainment will warm you to the cockles of your heart, encourage you to join in the dancing, make you laugh and even wine and dine you. It's worth the trip downtown.

This play, part scripted, part improvisation, has been running for over 8 years, and is still as funny and laughter-provoking as ever. The celebration begins in the welcoming light in St. Andrew's Wesley United Church, with the singing of Ave Maria. You, the guests, are properly ushered to your seats by well dressed charming young men. The wedding ceremony proceeds somewhat unorthodoxly and with occasional interruptions, with Father Mark officiating.

Then it’s off to the next door Century Plaza Hotel, where all proceeds as a properly organized wedding should. Or does it? Mama Josepha Vitale, Tina's magnificent mother, has arranged a glittering Las Vegas style cabaret, with a lot of audience participation. She has also arranged that Michael Just, Tina's long time ex-boyfriend, be kept well in the background, and not allowed to cause trouble. But this heart-broken lad has written a little poem which he wishes to give to Tina, and he also decides to do the gentlemanly thing and go and shake hands with the bridegroom. All his attempts to do this are frustrated, and he is thrown out of the party by other guests, only to return and try again and again, causing more scenes.

Quarrels break out among other fiery brothers and cousins of both the Vitale and Nunzio families, sometimes leading to violence. The entertainers try to keep the guests amused, and invite them to join in dancing, an invitation which many of the guests accept with gusto.

After the traditional toasts to the Bride and Groom, a delicious buffet dinner is served to the now hungry and somewhat jaded assembly.

But there is more entertainment with the traditional cutting of the multi-tiered cake, and the throwing of the bouquet and the garter, and all the guests on the floor dancing until the bridal party departs under a triumphal arch formed by the guests.

Don't think you are just an audience at this wedding. You are part of the evening's enjoyable ceremonies and you are meant to celebrate, have a good time, and bless the bride. Go, laugh and enjoy!

Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding runs at St. Andrew's Wesley United Church and the Century Plaza Hotel, Burrard Street, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, with the doors open at 6.30, p.m. for Tina's arrival at 7.00 p.m. For more information and reservations call Hoarse Raven Theatre, 604-258-4079, or email info@hoarseraven.com, web www.hoarseraven.com

© 2003, Jane Penistan