After 12 years, the original hit interactive comedy is still fresh and funny--thanks to its ability to adapt itself and incorporate timely songs, references, and jokes in its repertoire. This Off-Broadway production, conceived by Nancy Cassaro and directed by Larry Pellegrini, has inspired numerous copycats, has officially attained iconic status, and still gets no respect from the rest of the theatrical community.
Even after all this time, the theatre industry still seems to hold a prejudice against interactive performance. It's almost politically incorrect to say it aloud, but it is a fact--some theatre devotees delight in not having succumbed to this show, much the way this writer (Now and Forever) takes sick pride in never having been inside the Winter Garden Theatre.
But a show like this is a producer's dream, as anyone at Artificial Intelligence will tell you. Landing a job here is ideal for actors who love to ham it up--as any one member of the 30-person ensemble will tell you if you happen to catch her (or him) out of character. (Which you won't.)
Tony N Tina's Wedding gave birth to a new theatrical genre--the interactive comedy. Others (Grandma Sylvia's Funeral, Finnegan's Farewell) followed, aspiring to do what it has done--using its recipe for success. (Reprinted without permission):
Start with one part great concept. TNT puts its audience in the position of guests at the most wildly stereotypical Italian wedding that can be found west of Long Island.
Add one part racial humor and stir. Ethnic groups poking fun at themselves has been a staple of nearly every interactive comedy to come along. It works well in TNT, because several characters are immediately recognizable, which gets the audience grounded in the world of the show. Then it adds more inventive characters that are still caricatures, but add an original flavor and zaniness to the mix. (The bride's gay brother and his lover, just to name a couple.)
Include a hearty ethnic meal and plenty of drink. Some say that the ziti is supposed to be bad, but this writer found Vinny Black's buffet to be as good as the food at the last two weddings I attended.
Shake it up. This is one of the first shows that actually invited its audience to dance right along with the cast. Following in its footsteps: (The Donkey Show, De La Guarda, Keep Bangin')
Top it off with a sprinkle of sweet sugar. After all the mishaps at their wedding, after a mid-reception break-up, Tony and Tina remind us what a wedding day is really all about: say it with me now, people: Love.
The reason this show has survived while others of its type have come and gone is because it was the first one, it was always the best one, and it is just so much fun. To the theatre community who poo-poos because it dared to be different: Lighten up. Let down you hair and do the chicken dance. You have no idea what you're missing.
--Tony N Tina's Wedding
at St. Luke's Church
308 W 46th St. between Eight and Ninth Aves.
(212) 239-6200
($65-$75), price includes dinner.
Evenings: Thu - Sat 7 pm
Matinee: Sun 2 pm
Tony N Tina's Wedding
After 12 years, the original hit interactive comedy is still fresh and funny--thanks to its ability to adapt itself and incorporate timely songs, references, and jokes in its repertoire. This Off-Broadway production, conceived by Nancy Cassaro and directed by Larry Pellegrini, has inspired numerous copycats, has officially attained iconic status, and still gets no respect from the rest of the theatrical community.
Even after all this time, the theatre industry still seems to hold a prejudice against interactive performance. It's almost politically incorrect to say it aloud, but it is a fact--some theatre devotees delight in not having succumbed to this show, much the way this writer (Now and Forever) takes sick pride in never having been inside the Winter Garden Theatre.
But a show like this is a producer's dream, as anyone at Artificial Intelligence will tell you. Landing a job here is ideal for actors who love to ham it up--as any one member of the 30-person ensemble will tell you if you happen to catch her (or him) out of character. (Which you won't.)
Tony N Tina's Wedding gave birth to a new theatrical genre--the interactive comedy. Others (Grandma Sylvia's Funeral, Finnegan's Farewell) followed, aspiring to do what it has done--using its recipe for success. (Reprinted without permission):
Start with one part great concept. TNT puts its audience in the position of guests at the most wildly stereotypical Italian wedding that can be found west of Long Island.
Add one part racial humor and stir. Ethnic groups poking fun at themselves has been a staple of nearly every interactive comedy to come along. It works well in TNT, because several characters are immediately recognizable, which gets the audience grounded in the world of the show. Then it adds more inventive characters that are still caricatures, but add an original flavor and zaniness to the mix. (The bride's gay brother and his lover, just to name a couple.)
Include a hearty ethnic meal and plenty of drink. Some say that the ziti is supposed to be bad, but this writer found Vinny Black's buffet to be as good as the food at the last two weddings I attended.
Shake it up. This is one of the first shows that actually invited its audience to dance right along with the cast. Following in its footsteps: (The Donkey Show, De La Guarda, Keep Bangin')
Top it off with a sprinkle of sweet sugar. After all the mishaps at their wedding, after a mid-reception break-up, Tony and Tina remind us what a wedding day is really all about: say it with me now, people: Love.
The reason this show has survived while others of its type have come and gone is because it was the first one, it was always the best one, and it is just so much fun. To the theatre community who poo-poos because it dared to be different: Lighten up. Let down you hair and do the chicken dance. You have no idea what you're missing.