THE WEDDING PARTY Brings Cabaret Seating To Alberta Theatre Projects For The First Time In Over 20 Years

Alberta Theatre Projects is excited to open this season with The Wedding Party, written by acclaimed Canadian playwright Kristen Thomson and directed by Alberta Theatre Projects' Executive and Artistic Director Darcy Evans. Running Sept. 11-29, this is a hilarious gender-bending comedy about the joining of two very unlikely families.

Hailed by The Globe and Mail as a "comedic clash of classes," The Wedding Party celebrates the wedding of Sherry and Jack Jr., which unravels into a night of family secrets, squabbling in-laws, embarrassing speeches, terrible dance moves, and those cousins you wish hadn't shown up. With the Martha Cohen Theatre reconfigured to cabaret seating, audiences will have a ring-side seat as the outrageous reception spins out of control in real time.

"The success of The New Canadian Curling Club showed us that Calgary audiences love to laugh," said Executive and Artistic Director Darcy Evans, "and The Wedding Party will give them the chance to do just that. Think of the most outrageous wedding you've ever attended and multiply it by 100. That's The Wedding Party. But it isn't just a play; it's a fresh, immersive theatrical experience. We have transformed our space by removing the orchestra seats and replacing them with cabaret tables and chairs. The bar will be open onstage, giving audiences a chance to grab a cocktail or a bottle of wine and mingle before the insanity breaks out all around them!"

In one of the play's most impressive comedic devices, six of Calgary's best actors portray the dozens of wedding guests in attendance, moving from one outrageous character to the next at a dizzying pace. "We've assembled an incredible ensemble of comic actors for The Wedding Party," said Evans. "They are versatile, funny, and smart, yet authentic enough to make these characters recognizable and relatable for our audiences. They have also been totally willing to throw themselves into the madcap spirit of this piece, creating a huge assortment of different characters with breathless speed, sometimes in quick succession, sometimes in the very same scene. I can't wait for audiences to see them tear up the Martha Cohen Theatre!"

The Wedding Party runs from Sept. 11-29, 2019 in the Martha Cohen Theatre at Arts Commons (215 8 Ave. SE). Tickets are available at www.albertatheatreprojects.com or 403-294-7402. Wedding attire is encouraged.

Audience Considerations: Contains sexuality and coarse language. Suggested for ages 16+.

Cast:
Katherine Fadum
Christopher Hunt
Josie Jones
Helen Knight
Curt McKinstry
Kristen Padayas

Creative Team:
Director: Darcy Evans
Set Design: David Fraser
Lighting Design: Alison Yanota
Costume Design: Patrick Du Wors
Sound/Video Design: Marc Lavallee
Stage Manager: Kerry Johnson
Assistant Stage Manager: Meredith Johnson

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