Marriage, Meal, Mirth and Murder

My Big Fat Italian Wedding Murder

Have you ever attended a wedding and the reception that followed and desperately wished for something a little more—shall we say, exciting—to happen? Well, wish no more. In this immersive, audience-participatory, broadly comic production, the audience members are the wedding guests, cast as friends and relatives of the newlyweds. It’s a humdinger of an event that offers a marriage, a meal, mirth and a murder—all in one festive, fun-filled evening.

Co-created by award-winning Broadway actor Jimmy Ferraro and David Craven, this loosely scripted play is largely an improv show, with plenty of audience involvement. After a long run in Florida, the production has transferred to Chicago. The basic premise focuses on an Italian couple’s nuptials, the priest who officiated, and the extended family and friends who are in attendance. As we’re welcomed to the reception by each and every cast member, feeling like long-lost cousins, we settle in for two hours of food and fun. 

After the shocking murder is revealed, each table of guests is told to choose a head detective and devise a clever name for their sleuthing agency. A sealed envelope is then opened at each table containing a message that tells us collectively, that each table will be competing in uncovering the murderer from among the cast members. It’s like a live game of Clue, with wine and Italian food provided. Prizes will be awarded to the detectives who succeed in their mission.   

We learn up front that Frankie, the bridegroom, has been strangled to death. His chalk outline on the floor proves the crime happened in the reception hall. Each cast member, dressed to the nines, tells his or her own story of their complicated relationship to the bride, the bridegroom and each other. Angel, the bride with the Betty Boop voice, is the central character. She wears a gorgeous, floor-length wedding gown that accentuates her rosy dimples and ample bosom. She is the innocent victim (or is she?) on what’s supposed to be her happy day. But, as the show progresses, we gradually discover all kinds of nasty, hidden secrets behind each of the wedding party and their guests, as the number of victims begin to pile up.

The audience is advised to come hungry, because the four-course Italian American meal will certainly fill and satisfy them. Water is provided but guests are encouraged to order wine, soft drinks or cocktails, at their own expense. Amidst the comical dialogue, singing, dancing and mayhem, the meal begins with a Margherita pizza, followed by a large Caesar salad, a huge bowl of penne rosa and a sweet pretzel-like dessert. No one should leave this event hungry!

The talented, hard-working cast includes Abby DeRosa, as the lovely bride, Angel; Arlene Arnone as Angel’s dear grandmother, Nonny; Laura Blackwell as Carmella, the bride’s beautiful, but doting, mother; Audrey Napoli as Roxy, the groom’s former girlfriend; Genese Dadzie as Tina, the maid of honor; and Amelia Buell as Sophie, a friend.  The gentlemen include John Blackwell as Luciano, Angel’s father; Dave Perez as Johnny, the best man; Andy Phinney as an affable Father James; Matthew Storino as Bruno, the fierce bodyguard; and George McDonald as Georgio, the congenial host of the reception.

For a delightfully bawdy and fun-filled evening of food and festivities, Jimmy Ferraro’s immersive, improvisational Italian wedding party is a clever, interactive show. It weds murder with a merry-go-round of slapstick and schtick. However sometimes, depending upon where the audience is seated, it becomes difficult to see over the actors and waitstaff, who often block the view. And, once in a while, so much is going on that it’s difficult to hear specific lines or know where to focus your attention. But this isn’t Shakespeare and the production has plenty of throwaway moments. All that’s important is that you catch the bridal bouquet and garter, give your all to doing the Chicken Dance, toast the bride and…whomever she’s about to marry next, help your team name the killer (a role that changes with each performance) and have a great time!

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas    

Presented April 23-May 15 by Murder Mystery For Hire, staged at The Reveler restaurant in Roscoe Village, 3403 N. Damen, Chicago.

Tickets are available for both the dinner and show by calling 773-296-6400 or by going www.buytix.net

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com