Gabe Bowling, BJ Gruber Join MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING; Christopher Abbott Boards 'FUNERAL' Off-Broadway, Beg. Today

Beginning July 5th, 2014, new cast mates will join the cast of "My Big Gay Italian Wedding" as it sets to continue its run every Saturday night at 8pm at St. Luke's Theatre through September 27th. "My Big Gay Italian Funeral," now in its second year, is also set to continue at St. Luke's Theatre every Sunday at 7pm through September 28th with cast changes as well.

Gabe Bowling will be taking on the role of "Gregorio," the misunderstood stunning villain of the Wedding bridal party. The role of "Mario," Anthony's fun and dramatic best man in the wedding, will now be played by BJ Gruber. In the Funeral, Christopher Abbott who is well known for his work in community theatre across the tri-state area, is making his Off-Broadway debut in the role of Anthony's estranged brother Peter Pinnunziato.

Presented by Bianco Productions, the show continues to star its creator Anthony J. Wilkinson who originated the role of Anthony Pinnunziato back in November of 2003. Both shows were directed by Sonia Blangiardo and are General Managed by 22Q Entertainment.

The current cast of Wedding and Funeral includes Anthony J. Wilkinson (Anthony), Hugh Hysell (Maurizio), Donna Castellano (Angela), Marissa Rosen (Maria), Debra Toscano (Toniann), Liz Gerecitano (Lucia), Meagan Robar (Connie/Eva/Aunt Donna), Erik Ransom (Rodney/Vidal/Diamondelle), Chad Kessler (Father Rosalia/Howie/Pontessa/Lou), Brandon Goins (Andrew/Ezio), Joe Scanio (Joseph), BJ Gruber (Mario), Josh Drake (Frankie), Gabe Bowling (Andrew), Christopher Abbott (Peter), Mustafa Gatollari (Dominick), Beth Dzuricky (Ondine), with ensemble members Marie Fontaine and Fred Ross.

St. Luke's Theatre is located at 308 West 46th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues).

Pictured: Top BJ Gruber and Brandon Goins. Bottom Josh Drake, Wilkinson, and Gabe Bowling. Photo by Rick Stockwell.