By Sara Strong
Dinner theater can bring connotations of a hoity-toity social event, but the upcoming dinner theater in Luverne isn't that at all.
Director John Beranek said, "It's a tacky, Italian wedding and dance. Guests come to the wedding, the dance and the reception. They'll experience the whole wedding, including a champagne toast."
Sharkee's will host the Saturday, Oct. 19, performance of Tony and TinaÕs Wedding at 7 p.m. Sharkee's is selling advance tickets.
Beranek directed the play to be set the 1970s, with all the appropriate classic music accompanying the wedding dance.
Tony and Tina's wedding is a nationally-known play that ran eight years in Minneapolis and is now starting another run.
"It started out in New York with a group of friends who just got together and wrote the play," Baranek said of the popular play.
Audience participation
Barenek is known to Rock County as the director of last year's Green Earth Players production of "Oliver!"
This play, however, isn't quite as family-friendly. Berenek said 16 to 17 year olds could watch the slightly adult content, but he doesn't suggest anyone younger than that attending.
An unusual aspect of the play is that the audience participates in the festivities, many times dancing along with the actors.
The script leaves room for the players to react to the audience, but Berenek said the plot is still defined so the actors get back on track.
With the audience getting pulled into the drama, Berenek said it's truly a unique experience.
"One of the best compliments I've gotten from an audience member was, 'I forgot I was at a show. I felt like I was actually at a wedding.' "
That's why Berenek said Sharkee's was a good location - many of the audience members have been to receptions and dances there already.
In fact, Berenek suggests people dress as if they were going to a wedding, like other crowds have done. Dressing in '70s attire and bringing tacky gifts is also welcome. (Berenek cautions the audience against dressing too casually as some actors/wedding party members might notice.)
Even if ticket buyers don't want to be a part of interactive theater, Berenek said the play will be a good time.
"I've yet to hear a man whose wife dragged him along who didn't love it. It's theater in a different way. It's not high-brow, but if you want to dance and have a great time, it's perfect."