With resumés and headshots in hand, students waited anxiously last weekend for their number to be called. One by one they entered the International Room in the LSU Union for their chance to make an impression.
This was not American Idol auditions or a model search. Students and staff of all ages and majors auditioned for roles in the off-Broadway hit “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding,” which will play at the Union from Feb. 12 to 15.
“Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” is an improvisational comedy that creates the atmosphere of an actual wedding reception where the audience interacts and controls the direction of the story.
According to the show’s official Web site, www.tonylovestina.com, the show is the longest running off-Broadway comedy in history.
The lead characters in the play are professional actors from New
York, but the rest of the cast is comprised of local students and staff members.
“This is a great opportunity for students to participate in a well known show,” said Rhonda Dunaway, assistant director of Union Programs and advisor to the Lively Arts Committee. “Most of the students who auditioned were not theater majors, but experience is not always necessary for this type of [production].”
Omar Parbhoo, a computer engineering senior, is not an actor, but auditioned for a role.
“I’m involved with The Family Dinner improv troupe,” he said. “So, this [type of production] would be appropriate for me.”
Dominique Seibert, a wildlife and fisheries freshman, has experience in improvisation and drama.
“I did a lot of drama in high school,” she said. “I’ve actually done an Italian improv play before, and this is an opportunity to do it at LSU.”
Dunaway said more than 65 people auditioned for 11-20 roles, which include bridesmaids, groomsmen, friends, and a gay brother, but some of these parts may not be used in the performance.
“The competition is stiff, especially among the girls,” she said.
The audition process was unlike the traditional prepared monologue audition. Hopeful actors were led into a room where they were introduced to the director, handed him a photo and resumé and left minutes later.
Director Kevin Alexander, who has acted in and directed the play, said he was surprised with the turn out of talented actors in Baton Rouge, but attributes it to the fact that no monologue or experience was needed.
“I look for [certain] types to cast the show,” Alexander said. “The play is unique interactive theater, so I look for odd types, but you have to be pretty odd to audition for this play anyway.”
The play is divided into the ceremony and the reception. The ceremony is traditional, but the reception is improvised, with the actors taking their cues from the music.
Alexander said the show is similar to the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” because both are about dysfunctional families.
The popularity of “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” has transcended onto the big and small screens.
Alexander said former New Kids on the Block member Joey McIntire and “That 70s Show’s” Mia Kunis will star in a movie adaptation of the play. The play has also been incorporated into an episode of the television show “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
The Lively Arts Committee of the Union Programming Council selected “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” as part of the Union’s 40th anniversary.
Gabe VanderHey, an English freshman and member of Lively Arts, said this show is something students would not usually get a chance to see.
“It is a rare opportunity for students to not only see, but be involved in a play like this,” VanderHey said.
“Tony n’º Tina’s Wedding” will run from Feb. 12 to 15 at 7 p.m., and Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. in the Union Royal Cotillion Ballroom.
Ticket Prices, which include a buffet dinner, are $25 for students, $45 for Faculty, Staff and Union Members and $50 for the public. Tickets are available at the LSU Union Box Office at 225-578-5128 or Ticketmaster.