Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding, by Artificial Intelligence conceived by Nancy Cassaro is LowellArts! Players’ spring production. It’s not just a play. It’s a wedding reception where audience members are cast as extras. If you haven’t already sent in your RSVP do it now. You wouldn’t want a member of the Nunzio or Vitale family to come knocking at your door seeking a response. Lowell’s First Look had an inside look at one of the first full cast and crew rehearsals prior to opening night.
The Wackiest Wedding Reception You’ll Ever Attend (or so we hope)
The wedding nuptials of Tony and Tina have taken over the theater. Loretta Black, played by Laurie Kuna has taken over Larkin’s Other Place as the owner of the reception hall along with her sister-in-law Vincie Black, played by Lisa Erb. The audience will be overcome with laughter and smiles. Come prepared to eat, dance, and be happy. Tony and Tina exchange their vows but the fun begins when the wedding reception starts. Members of the audience move through the wedding party’s receiving line before scooping up some dinner and returning to their table. While meals are consumed, those gathered (that’s you!) to celebrate the marriage of the happy couple begin to see things and hear conversations as if eavesdropping while characters develop.
This isn’t your typical theater performance. The acting doesn’t appear to always be acting. Characters wander the reception hall mingling with guests (that’s you again!) while staying in character and improvising lines. Have a conversation with cast members. Audience participation is encouraged even when a dance train makes its way through the tables.
Director Kim Miller has past directing experience in Godwin Heights. She directs some of her former students in this current production. She also recruited a couple of first timers to the stage in Lowell. She says members of the crew have dual roles also being cast in the play. She’s not only the director but plays the part of a nun who is influenced by the shenanigans of other characters.
A 40 Year Presence
The history of community theater in Lowell dates back 40 years. Sue Bradford has been involved since 1981 on stage as well as directing. In addition to participation in Lowell she can be found in the Grand Rapids community theater scene. She says, “Several other LowellArts! actors also do double duty but we ALWAYS COME BACK HOME to our Lowell community theater.” She feels local theater in Lowell is important. “Since some of us do work in Grand Rapids […] we are showing other folks outside of Lowell that we have a viable, successful community theater in Lowell. Our talent pool is growing and more people are joining our merry band of thespians in bringing great theater to Lowell and the surrounding area.” If you haven’t seen a LowellArts! theater production you’re missing out. LowellArts! continues to enrich the Lowell Community through theatrical, musical, and artistic programs, events, and opportunities.
Matt Tawney is easily considered a veteran when it comes to theater in Lowell. A resident of the community since 2000, he found himself auditioning for his first play in 2007 after watching a friend in a production the previous year. He thought it looked fun and “he could do that”. The rest has made him part of local stage history. Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding is his 20th production. “Michael Just is a sad, lonely, rapidly aging manboy with addiction problems and a broken heart.” says Tawney of his character. “He is the black sheep of this group but they love him anyway (most of the time) despite all of his issues.” As Tina’s ex-boyfriend he elicits tension as a person with substance abuse issues who appears to have fallen off the wagon. As he wanders around during the reception don’t let him convince you to buy him a drink.
Peggy Parrish is another familiar face on the stage at Larkin’s Other Place having been cast in 10 productions. Like Tawney, she participated in LowellArts!’ Playwright Festival earlier this year. Both decided to audition for Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding after hearing spots were still available. Parrish also thought it would be fun to work alongside her daughter Chloe Schmidt who plays Chloe Black. As Aunt Rose, Parrish’s character wants everyone to have a good time. But she’s also on the lookout for the well-being of her family and will stick up for them at all costs.
Reserve Your Seat Today
Matt Tawny would like to thank those who support the arts in Lowell. “There are many. For this production in particular, Canfield Plumbing has donated rehearsal time and transportation.” he passes along. Deb Canfield can be seen in the production as Madeline Monroe, Tony Nunzio Sr.’s current love interest. Now is your chance to see some of the talented members the Lowell community has to offer. With a run of three weekends and two matinée options there’s no reason not to spend some time having fun while supporting local theater. It will be an experience you’ll want to repeat. Dixie Swim Club is slated to hit the stage this fall.
If your idea of attending a theater production is to sit back and enjoy without participation don’t let the style of Tony N’ Tina’s wedding scare you away. “The cast will be very aware of audience members’ boundaries, so no worries about being embarrassed. BUT – we will try to help everyone have a good time and get the most out of the experience.” Parrish indicates. Even if you’ve seen the play in another venue this will be an entirely different experience.
You can RSVP (or purchase tickets) at the LowellArts! website if you’d like to witness Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding. Tickets may also be reserved by calling 616-897-8545. Advanced tickets, ranging in price from $28-$32, are required and due to the integral role of dinner in the production all tickets include a meal and dessert. A cash bar will also be available. The recommended age for this production is 14+. Discounts for groups of 10 or more tickets booked at the same time receive a $2 discount as do LowellArts! members but reservations with a discount must be made over the phone in order to receive the price break.
The production runs Friday and Saturday evening April 21-22, April 28-29, and May 5-6 at 6:30pm. A Sunday matinée option is available April 23 and 30 at 1:30pm. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the beginning of each show. Break a leg LowellArts! Players!
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