On Saturday, September 12th, 2009 Anthony Wilkinson along with ABC’s One Life to Live Scott Evans starred in the off-Broadway show My Big Gay Italian Wedding. The one night performance was a benefit for the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Approximately 1,300 “guests” enjoyed the comedy and drama that ensued.
Writer/lead actor Wilkinson led the charming cast in a hilarious story of a young, gay Italian man’s quest to have the perfect wedding. (The title sort of says it all!) Intrigue, drama, musical numbers and a hyperventilating mother were just the tip of the iceberg. The show played with cultural stereotypes of both Italians and the LGBT community without taking itself too seriously. The cast also featured Brett Douglas, Randi Kaplan, Concetta Nichilo, Laura Gaspari, Carla-Marie Mercun, Joe Grimaldi, Liz Gerecitano, Erik Ransom, Diana Limon, Chad Kessler, Kevin McIntyre, Philip Brock and
Dan Hicks.
In addition to the above cast, Dina Manzo and
Caroline Manzo of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey made a special on-stage cameo appearance during wedding reception performing the traditional Italian wedding dance, Tarantella with the members of the cast.
Other celebrity attendees included One Life to Live actors Brett Claywell,
Tika Sumpter and Ron Carlivati head writer for One Life to Live.
After the performance, the entire audience was invited to after-party at Angelina’s Ristorante in Staten Island for cocktails with the cast mates.
Photos courtesy of Steven Bergman
Caroline Manzo, Anthony Wilkinson, Dina Manzo, and Scott Evans
Anthony Wilkinson and Scott Evans
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