Theater Review: St. George Musical Theater’s “Nuptials”

Theater Review: St. George Musical Theater’s “Nuptials”

Playful and affectionate, “Nuptials” rousingly suggests that this isn’t just your typical wedding comedy!

“It’s not just your wedding!”

This amusing — and all too prophetic — line of dialogue is at the very heart of St. George Musical Theater’s production of Judy Simpson Cook’s righteously hilarious “Nuptials.”

When two people are truly in love, marriage can be bliss. The wedding and the days leading up to the ceremony, however? Well, depending on who you ask, that can be an entirely different proposition altogether. Just ask Caroline Gordon, the sweet but somewhat discouraged young Southern woman at the center of this contemporary, North Carolina-set comedy of errors.

Caroline (Danielle Wolverton) has looked forward to her wedding day ever since she was a little girl, and after a courtship with potential soul mate Mark Sinclair (Taylor Wilkes), it looks as if her dream day may finally be realized. That is until a plethora of well-intentioned but meddling family members and friends inadvertently put a damper on what should be the time of Caroline’s life. The arrival of Mark’s obnoxious old college buddy Jerry (Dan Fowlks) certainly doesn’t help matters. With tension escalating and ceremony planning-caused chaos rising to a fever pitch, Caroline does the unthinkable: She calls off the wedding! And to think that the majority of these previously mentioned plot points happen in the first act!

As directed with undeniable fervor by Bruce Bennett (a gifted actor whom you may remember from St. George Musical Theater’s production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,”) “Nuptials” is a delight. While there is certainly drama and contention to be found during the proceedings, make no mistake: This is a comedy!  No matter how selfish or short-sighted some of the folks in Caroline’s life might seem at a surface level, this is a likable ensemble made up of colorful characters brought to life by a very capable cast.

Wolverton is terrific in the lead. In the early goings, Caroline is merely an observer of what is supposed to be her very special day, and while she appears to be seemingly oblivious to what’s going around her, it becomes abundantly clear that that is certainly not the case. Towards the end of the first act, a switch goes off and Caroline comes out of her shell in a big way. Wolverton completely sells that pivotal turning point, proving that there is, in fact, a very strong woman at the center of sweet and unassuming Caroline — a woman who isn’t at all afraid to stand up for herself and speak her mind.

As a harmless, if a tad clueless, Mark Sinclair, Wilkes proves to be both affable and sincere. Barb and Brad Christensen are lively and warm as Caroline’s parents; their real-life relationship probably accounts for a great deal of their wonderful onstage chemistry. Charismatic Katherine (Katie) Wood is a sassy force to be reckoned with as Caroline’s outspoken sister, Kitty. Tysen Bang is a lot of fun as Richard, and this terrific actor is careful to keep this wedding florist’s flamboyancy in check. Bang plays Richard more like a slightly restrained Paul Lynde than an over the top Martin Short in “Father of the Bride.” Lovely Kristina Harding brings real physicality and humor to the role of snobbish and slightly high-strung wedding planner, Jeanette. Jane Williams is an absolute joy as wise housekeeper Mae-Ella, and while this elderly Southern belle is a sweet lady at the surface, Williams brings an appropriate bite to the character. Sloane Griffith (with effective understudy Katelyn Nielsen filling in on occasional nights) is as cute as a bug’s ear as Lulu, a smudged-up youngster whose constant “shadow” games all at once annoy and amuse those around her. Mark Evertsen makes the most of a smaller role, bringing dignity to his to his slightly appalled minister.

As solid as the entire cast is, there are a couple of notable standouts. Relative theater newcomer Dan Fowlks provides a few scene-stealing moments as Mark’s old buddy, Jerry. Fowlks is a natural, breathing life into a character that some might initially perceive as  a bad influence. His moments with Wood’s Kitty, in particular, are extremely entertaining. Likewise, Rachel Parry, who also killed it — literally! — as Abby Brewster in St. George Musical Theater’s recent production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” is an absolute riot as the spaced out, hippie-like, God-fearing caterer, Mrs. Carpenter. With her detailed facial expressions, a perfectly offbeat Parry is the very personification of comic relief. Whenever she’s on stage, it’s nearly impossible to look away. She’s that damn funny!

Bennett, who also serves as St. George Musical Theater’s executive director, has a real gift when it comes to casting and guiding ensembles to naturalistic heights. He’s clearly adept at creating an environment in which his actors simply feel at home. Look no further than an amusing scene inspired by “Steel Magnolias” in which the wonderfully lively women of “Nuptials” sit together laughing as they share stories about the men in their lives. It’s one of the stronger scenes in the play, because there’s a genuine rapport among these women, and the joy they exude is palpable.

“Nuptials” represents community theater at its most entertaining. In addition to solid direction and a wonderful cast, this show offers up a sharp sense of comic timing and a warmth that is darn near irresistible. And it’s all staged within the confines of an intimate theater-in-the-round setting. What’s more, “Nuptials” even dares to go the interactive route. At the risk of giving too much away, let’s just say that a few lucky attendees might find themselves a part of the show in the final act.

Straying off topic at bit, it should be noted that theater is alive and well in Southern Utah. But there’s something a little extra special about community theater, because the drive and desire to make shows like “Nuptials” happen comes directly from the heart. Theater groups like St. George Musical Theater are absolutely essential in cities like ours, because not only are they a grand source of entertainment but they are also an invaluable source of encouragement to the vast array of storytellers whom they continue to nurture, support, and inspire. Thankfully, with “My Fair Lady” and “Into the Woods” on the horizon, St. George Musical Theater is showing no signs of slowing down.

St. George Musical Theater’s production of “Nuptials” continues at The Opera House through Saturday, March 26. See it before it’s gone.

For more information on SGMT, including how and where to buy tickets, visit sgmusicaltheater.com.

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