Brenda Giesbrecht/Special to The Morning Star
What do you get when a girl from an Italian Mafioso family marries the son of a washed-up bull rider? Why, Tony and Tina’s Wedding, of course, where everyone is family.
The iconic off-Broadway dinner show made its Okanagan debut at the Lone Pine Ranch Event Centre April 13 with a sold-out audience. The “Ricardo” family turned out in style, complete with black suits and body guards, while the high-kicking, party-loving “John Wayne” family brought a certain redneck exuberance to the event. True to the spirit of the show, the entire audience played their roles in this hilarious family mismatch.
Event director Dee Cristante brought a new and unique element to the Lone Pine show. This wasn’t just any dinner show – it was a wedding with a real bride and groom. Carol and Michael Neilson of Vernon said their vows in a ceremony presided over by justice of the peace Esther Pearson.
“Carol and Michael live in Vernon but were recently married in Australia, where Carol is from,” said Cristante. “They were looking for some way to celebrate with the family here in Canada, and when they learned about our contest to have real couples get married during the show, they thought that would be a great way to do it. So did we!”
Tony and Tina’s Wedding will be returning to Lone Pine Ranch in November for its Christmas run, with more real-life couples really getting married.
“We had a great response to our contest and are looking forward to making it a special day for each and every one of them,” said Cristante.
Tony and Tina’s Wedding was more than just great improv theatre – the cast did a great job of mingling with their “family” and guests, helping everyone feel comfortable while filling in some back stories and setting the scene for drama during the reception. Before long, the sound of “Cousin!” could be heard echoing through the room as long-lost relatives became acquainted.
As I watched couples dancing between the tables, I overheard someone say, “I wish the weddings I’ve been to were like this one!” And I thought to myself, “I have been to weddings like this one,” complete with quirky relatives and the Chicken Dance.
The dramatic Mama Ricardo was played by Fanny Meijers of West Kelowna, while Larry Morrison of West Kelowna did a great job as her stern Mafia husband. The over-exuberant mother of the groom was played by Cherie Simon of Vernon, partnered admirably by her handsome “son” Jordan Dubyna of Enderby. Toni Lyons of Rutland was the late but always fashionable sister of the bride. And let’s not forget the master of ceremony, Elvis, complete with rhinestone jumpsuits. Thank you, Christopher Blaine of Penticton, for bringing Elvis to the house.
Will I tell you all the gossip and scandal? Not a chance! Get a group of friends together and make plans to see Tony and Tina’s Wedding yourself – a wedding with all the fun and none of the regrets.