A Real Blast From the Past

Father of the Bride

The 1950’s has been called The Golden Age of television. Many of those black & white TV programs form the fond memories from my childhood. Besides some variety shows, the airwaves were dominated by situation comedies. All of these half-hour programs were G-rated stories, and each of them championed traditional family values, suburban life and strong community support. A few of them featured silly slapstick comedy, like the broad schtick once found in vaudeville. But the best-loved most humorous and heartwarming television programs included classics like “I Love Lucy,” “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” “The Real McCoys,” “December Bride” and the quintessential family comedy, “Father Knows Best.”

This Spring, Drury Lane Theatre takes Baby Boomers back to those glory days of the early sitcom, with director Michael Heitzman’s nostalgic production of FATHER OF THE BRIDE. For many theatergoers, this delightful comedy will bring back memories of their own wedding, or of planning the nuptials for their children. But especially for audiences of a certain age, this fast-paced comedy provides a real blast from the past for those who grew up on the sitcoms from the 50’s.

Edward Streeter’s popular 1949 novel, Father of the Bride, was adapted by playwright Caroline Francke into a full-length theatrical comedy that plays like a two-hour sitcom. Although most audiences will probably remember this title from the 1991 film that starred Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and Martin Short. That movie was actually a contemporary remake of the original 1950 version, based upon the novel and directed by Vincente Minnelli. It starred Spencer Tracy in the titular role and a young Elizabeth Taylor as his pretty bride-to-be daughter. Although Michael Heitzman’s production at Drury Lane is aimed at adults, his family-friendly comedy is directed as an homage to both the novel and the original film classic.

The last family member to learn the news, patriarch Stanley Banks almost does a spit take when Kay, his beloved 21-year-old daughter, announces at breakfast that she’s going to marry her boyfriend, Buckley Dunstan. Like all fathers, Stanley can’t believe that his little girl has grown up so fast. He shares his qualms and anxiety with his doting wife, Ellie, and his sons Ben and Tommy. But, regardless, the wedding plans commence. Stanley and the entire Banks family soon become immersed in and overwhelmed by all the fuss and financial demands, as Kay and Buckley’s wedding plans surge out of control. For a while it seems like the wedding may actually be cancelled, but, as in all good situation comedies, everything turns out happily ever after.

One of the hallmarks of an engaging sitcom is a great cast. And director Michael Heitzman (42nd STREET, at Drury Lane) is fortunate to have some excellent talent in his production. Usually a standout ensemble member of such Chicago productions as THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, at Drury Lane; THE FIRST LADY OF TELEVISION, at Northlight; and JUDGMENT DAY, at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Joe Dempsey is brilliant as Stanley Banks. He’s the undisputed lead and the shining star of this production, as well as the focal point and the glue that holds the story together. We watch with empathy and admiration as Stanley’s emotional journey takes the father of the bride from surprise to denial to befuddlement and, eventually, to calm control. Dempsey proves that his Stanley Banks ultimately possesses the only level head among all the characters, a man who can smooth out all the wrinkles and make sure the wedding goes as planned.

Other strong performances, and there are many, are turned in by lovely, talented Aurora Penepacker (AMELIE, Kokandy Productions; NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812, Writers Theatre) as blushing bride-to-be, Kay Banks. This gifted actress is winning and ever so wonderful, bringing her charisma and a lovely smile to charm everyone around her. Making her timely Drury Lane debut, Rachel Sullivan is the quintessential, middle class, 1950’s wife and mother of three. The talented actress ably demonstrates her character’s strength and support for her family, while quietly inserting bits of homely wisdom and good advice. After all, this play’s set in the 50’s, when women’s liberation had yet to blossom. So, like the television sitcom, in the world of this play, father always knows best.

Seen at the Goodman’s MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL, and often enjoyed at Paramount in productions like DEAR EVAN HANSEN and CATS, amiable and accomplished young Jake DiMaggio Lopez is engaging as groom-to-be, Buckley Dunstan. Two talented actors make their Drury Lane debut in this play. Kyle Ringley (HOLIDAY, at the Goodman) gives a winning performance as older brother, Ben Banks; and Charlie Long (FALSETTOS, Court/Timeline; FINDING NEMO, Marriott) is clever and capable as younger brother, Tommy Banks. And one of my favorite young Chicago actresses, Maya Hlava (LITTLE MERMAID, BYE BYE BIRDIE at Drury Lane), portrays pretty and personable Peggy Swift, Ben’s exuberant and animated fiancee.

Other superb supporting players in this large cast include Michele Vazaquez as Miss Bellamy, Stanley’s ultra efficient secretary, who attempts to help organize the wedding; Mitchell J. Fain as Joe, the hard working dynamo and foreman in charge of setting up the wedding reception; and, in particular, hilarious Ed Kross (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, 1776 at the Marriott) as wedding planner supreme, Mr. Massoula. I wish the script gave us more appearances by this comical character, but Kross makes the most of his cameo appearances. He perfectly portrays a fussy and fastidious organizer of large celebrations—a man who’s completely in charge of everything he does.

Three other characters stand tall in this production, but they’re aren’t actors. Some of the wizards who’ve worked their behind-the-scenes magic stand out. Lauren Nichols (TRUE WEST, at Paramount; HOT WING KING, at Writers) exquisitely provides a detailed and authentic-looking scenic design. Her magnificent house fills the entire stage and envelopes this production, without ever dominating or overpowering the play. Brilliant Broadway costume designer Emily Rebholz (GUTENBERG! JAGGED LITTLE PILL; DEAR EVAN HANSEN) has created a tastefully beautiful, yet very realistic, wardrobe for the entire cast that beautifully bespeaks the 1950’s. And both Emmy Award-nominee, Curtis Moore, the composer of original music, works closely with sound designer, Sarah  Ramos, to create a soundscape that audibly transports the audience back to Eisenhower years.

Michael Heitzman’s Spring production of FATHER OF THE BRIDE is a sweet, family-friendly comedy that’s reminiscent of the classic sitcoms from The Golden Age of television. It’s also likely a reminder for certain theatergoers of weddings in which they’ve been involved. Based upon Edward Streeter’s popular novel of the same title, playwright Caroline Francke adapted the book for the stage. The delightful story, its charming characters and the comedy’s playful mood and tone warmly glow with the innocence and optimism of 1950’s America. And actor Joe Dempsey, in this breakout leading role, firmly establishes himself as a gifted character actor, a real father who knows best, and the true embodiment of this real blast from the past.                         

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented April 8-May 31 by Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Drury Lane box office, by calling 630-530-0111 or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area shows may be found at www.theatreinchicago.com

Photos by Justin Barbin