The word perfect does not always live up to its hype. Particularly, when it comes to things on this earth. And when used together, the words perfect and wedding leave room for interpretation. In the case of Playcrafters of Skippack, it is an oxymoron of the most fanciful kind, and the actors are dressed for the occasion as they prepare to present the American version of what can possibly go wrong on someone’s wedding day to the highest fathomable degree in popular British Playwright Robin Hawdon’s “Perfect Wedding.”
By its very title, Hawdon has volleyed a comedic shot at the traditional institution as he sets the stage with one of his most performed and popular stage plays.
“Who are you?” shouldn’t be the first words on a groom-to-be’s lips when he awakes in a hotel on the morning he is planning to marry, but they are when Bill, a bridegroom (Eric Rupp), arises on his wedding day in a post-stag party hangover to encounter a lump in the bed next to him. While it is not his intended bride but rather a strange but beautiful girl (Kayla Smull), you can imagine the panic running through his head and the chaos and confusion that ensue.
“It’s a case of mistaken identity,” said Director Arnie Finkle of the fast-paced two-hour comedy where plenty of verbal gags, physical play and a keen sense of timing all come together. Amid all of the door slamming (there are four doors on the set) and without giving away the entire plot, “There are two clues: a toilet brush and a cake knife. Hawdon has lent permission to Americanize his work and so the setting has been moved to a real-life hotel in New Jersey, the Stockton Inn.”
As the frenzied pandemonium level escalates, so do the laughs as the other characters come to play: Bride (Natalie Bonacci), Bride’s mother (Jean Navarra-Gibbons), Chamber Maid (Emily West), and Best Man (Sean Collins).
When a comedic farce is brought to the stage, the elements of logistics and timing cues are crucial and Finkle is content with his player’s talent. “It’s a lot of effort to keep it going, but I have a great cast. I have six excellent players with a natural instinct for what is funny,” explained Finkle, who is having a ball directing the show. “I’ve suggested things but they took over, and I’m enjoying watching them doing it.” In addition to all of the mayhem, there are several surprises throughout the show.
The owner of bridal shop Page Six in Skippack has donated many of the costumes. The show is produced by Cathy Carroll and Ro Carpenter along with Stage Manager Skye Cardenas.
With opening night set in June, a popular month for real-life weddings, a mix of comedic plotlines with the reality of a touching love story will make for a great date-night for everyone, especially soon-to-wed couples who may come to see the show. Not surprising to them, their own wedding day may pale in comparison to the version on Playcrafters’ stage. But that is a good thing.
If you go:Playcrafters presents
“Perfect Wedding”at the Barn2011 Store Road at Skippack Pike
Skippack, PA June 9-11; 17-18; 23-25, at 8 p.m.
June 19 at 3 p.m.Tickets: $20.
www.playcrafters.org610-584-4005
