STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Wedding bells will ring this month as “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” resumes live performances in New Jersey.
After being shutdown for more than a year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Avenel Performing Arts Center will host live productions of the show from April 29 through May 8.
The eccentric comedy, written by Grant City playwright/actor Anthony J. Wilkinson, first opened off-Broadway in 2003 at Actors’ Playhouse in Greenwich Village before moving uptown to Theatre Four in the spring of 2004. In 2009, the show moved to the St. Luke’s Theater, where it played until 2015.
Here’s a description of the show: Anthony Pinnunziato, a gay Italian-American from a large chaotic family, wants to marry his boyfriend, Andrew Polinski, in a traditional Italian ceremony. Anthony’s overbearing mother, Angela, won’t give her blessing unless Andrew’s estranged mother also gives her blessing and the ceremony is performed by a priest. Matters are further complicated by Andrew’s ex-boyfriend, who is intent on breaking up the couple. “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” satirizes the controversy surrounding same-sex marriage while drawing on larger than life gay and Italian characters.
During its run, proceeds from “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” have helped raise awareness for marriage equality and the Trevor Project.
Performances feature wedding officiants played by different guests. One of them will include our very own Dan Ryan, advertising director of Staten Island Media Group.
“I am honored to join the list of the notable Staten Islanders to be part of such a fun and funny show!” Ryan said. “I am excited to be able to be part of an ‘in-person’ performance. It’s dinner and a show just 15 minutes over the bridge.”
The schedule for the guest officiants is: Chris O’Connor, vice president of player development, Atlantic City, April 29 at 8 p.m.; John Mitch, municipal clerk of the Township of Woodbridge, April 30 at 8 p.m.; Dan Ryan, advertising director of Staten Island Media Group, May 1 at 8 p.m.; Mayor John McCormac, mayor of Woodbridge Township, May 2 at 3 p.m.; Sharon Klein, owner and agent of Sharon Klein Productions, May 6 at 8 p.m.; Hafiz Montgomery, former WBF cruiserweight champion, May 7 at 8 p.m.; Camille Pizzo, creator of “Quarantine Cuisine,” May 8 at 2 p.m., and Nancy Drumm, membership director of the Woodbridge Chamber of Commerce, May 8 at 8 p.m.
The Avenel Performing Art Center is located at 150 Avenel St. in Avenel, N.J. Showtimes are April 29 and 30 and May 1 at 8 p.m.; May 2 at 3 p.m.; May 6 and 7 at 8 p.m.; and May 8 at 2 and 8 p.m.
To purchase tickets, which are $49.50 each, visit avenelarts.com or contact the box office at 732-314-0500.
