If you haven’t been to a wedding lately, I mean a classic wedding–no modern touches, no thematic attire, no compostable flatware—then you’ll find this show a welcome blast from the past. At Ole & Lena’s Wedding, you’re part of the party. From the moment you enter the venue, you’re immersed in the wedding atmosphere. Grab a drink at the cash bar, say hi to the groom when you make your way to your seat, and listen up, you may get mentioned in the dialogue on this special day for Ole and Lena.
There are fun callouts to towns and cities from Proctor to many points north. Mentions of well-known regional destinations (like Eveleth) and European delights (like potica) continue to remind you where you are–a little back in time, a bit further north, and surrounded by friends and family.
Although there is a missing member of the wedding party, the wedding does go off with a hitch, although you’re left to wonder if it’s the right hitch for the bride and the groom. Those tensions drive the plot and the wedding festivities forward. And you made the list; you’re an invited guest—complete with a Nordic identity that you’ll get when you walk into the sanctuary (this time the church is the Spirit of the North Theater in the Fitger’s Complex). The consistently awkward and tentative groom (skillfully played by Chris Ibarra) will greet you and eventually take his place next to his bride, the compelling and silly Jennie Ross. Their faces tell us all we need to know about their connections to those present and absent.
The mother and father of the groom (Michael Kraklio and Tanya Moore, respectively), delight with banter and irreverent biblical readings, and the service is filled with music provided by the “hymn” singing maid of honor played by Sara Marie Sorenson. And the accordion-playing former lover (played by Dan Turpening) is mercurial as a character and talented with his instrument. Stuart Gordon sweetly plays the best man, struggling with the loss of a best friend, a fishing buddy, and a soulmate, while doing it all with great comic timing.
The ever-present and much put-upon mother of the bride (Carrie Rossow), who single-handedly prepared the wedding meal, has a big personality (and an equally large hairstyle). Her exasperation is tempered slightly by the forgetful yet kind Lutheran pastor played by Julie Ahasay.
The way the entire cast eases into the distinctly northern accents and cadences underscores the humor of the conflicts to come, sneaking in just enough Ole and Lena-style jokes to keep you alert for the next one. You can’t help slipping into the caricatured accent yourself.
Once you’re dismissed to the church basement (the neighboring August Fitger room), your tablemates will feel like distant cousins in no time as you’re swept into the wedding reception complete with all of the traditional trimmings.
Though the costumes and set create an authentic backdrop for this magical (if not maddening) moment for these families and friends, the dinner surpasses the typical wedding fare. Tater tot hotdish and jello salad should really make their way back to wedding menus (if they ever left). If you get a chance to glance at the head table, take it. The cast maintains character as they dine along with you. Their interactions, expressions, and physical humor continue the story and fun.
Jean Sramek and Peggy and Tim White have created a familiar and amusing event, and Boat Club Productions has cast and staged a show that is fun and funny–worth your time and participation. Don’t worry, they don’t ask you to take a step too far out of your comfort zone, and for those who get tapped to participate in small ways are supported by the skilled actors to make sure they look seamlessly like part of the rehearsed cast.
These performances and the full array of buffet offerings (with wedding cake to follow) make the ticket price more than fair. You don’t even have to bring a gift for the couple, but you may want to bring some cash for the dollar dance. You’ll leave with a smile on your face and the chicken dance on loop in your head.
More information about Ole & Lena’s Wedding
THEATRE
Spirit of the North Theatre, Fitger’s Complex – 3rd Floor
Box Office Phone Number: (218) 623-7065
Tickets at destinationduluth.co/bcp-ole-lenas-wedding
SHOWTIMES
June 11-13 6:00pm
June 14 12:30pm* – SOLD OUT
June 18-20 6:00pm
CHECK-IN: 6:00-6:30PM
Ceremony: 6:30pm in the Spirit of the North Theatre
Followed by Dinner & Reception in the August Fitger Room
FOR THE SUNDAY MATINEE:
Check-In: 12:30pm-1:00pm
Ceremony: 1:00pm in the Spirit of the North Theatre
Followed by Dinner & Reception in the August Fitger Room
TICKETS
Tickets are $75 per person, which includes the show, meal, tax, and staff gratuity. (Does not include service and processing fees). Meal includes a dinner buffet with champagne chicken, tater tot hotdish, baked pasta, a vegetable, Jello salad, garden salad, rolls, and cake.
