The Avenel Performing Arts Center (APAC), a new multidisciplinary performing arts center located in Woodbridge, N.J., presents “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” April 29- May 8.
Anthony Pinnunziato, a gay Italian-American from a large chaotic family, wants to marry his boyfriend Andrew Polinski in a traditional Italian ceremony. Anthony’s overbearing mother won’t give her blessing unless Andrew’s estranged mother also gives her blessing and the ceremony is performed by a priest. Matters are further complicated by Andrew’s ex-boyfriend, intent on breaking up the couple.”My Big Gay Italian Wedding” satirizes the controversy surrounding same-sex marriage while drawing on larger than life gay and Italian characters.
Anthony Wilkinson
“My Big Gay Italian Wedding” is a play written by Anthony J. Wilkinson that premiered off-Broadway in 2003, at the Actor’s Playhouse in New York City and in May 2010 at the St. Luke’s Theatre on West 46th St. in Manhattan, for an open-ended run that concluded in 2015. The show originated in 2003 as a non-union Off-Broadway show and in 2010 became a full union production, extending 14 times in the same location. During the run, the show hosted some major celebrities in efforts to help raise money and awareness for marriage equality and the Trevor Project. In 2010 the show was published by Samuel French for licensing purposes. Aside from New York City, the show has already played in over 30 cities in the United States. Internationally the show has had runs in Edinburgh, London, Ireland, Sydney, Hong Kong, Australia, parts of Canada and parts of France. An Italian film based on the play, called “Puoi baciare lo sposo” (You can kiss the groom), premiered in Italy in 2018.
Special Guest Officiants include:
Chris O’Connor – vice president of Player Development, Atlantic City – April 29 at 8 p.m.
John Mitch – municipal clerk, Township of Woodbridge – April 30 at 8 p.m.
Dan Ryan – advertising director, Staten Island Media Group – May 1 at 8 p.m.
Mayor John McCormac – mayor, Woodbridge Township – May 2 at 3 p.m.
Sharon Klein – owner and agent, Sharon Klein Productions – May 6 at 8 p.m.
Hafiz Montgomery – former WBF Cruiserweight Champion – May 7 at 8 p.m.
Camille Pizzo – creator of “Quarantine Cuisine” – May 8 at 2 p.m.
Nancy Drumm – membership director, Woodbridge Chamber of Commerce – May 8 at 8 p.m.
My Big Gay Italian Wedding
April 29 – 8 p.m.
April 30 – 8 p.m.
May 1 – 8 p.m.
May 2 – 3 p.m.
May 6 – 8 p.m.
May 7 – 8 p.m.
May 8 – 2 p.m.
May 8 – 8 p.m.
Tickets are $49.50. The Avenel Performing Art Center is located at 150 Avenel St. in Avenel, N.J. (located within Woodbridge Township). To purchase tickets, visit www.avenelarts.com or contact the Box Office at 732-314-0500.
At the Avenel Performing Arts Center, the health and well-being of patrons, artists, and staff is our top priority. APAC has taken the necessary precautions in the cleaning and sanitation procedures of our venue. The theatre capacity is limited to a maximum of 25%. As you know, this situation changes daily, and we are doing our part to keep up to date as protocols and procedures are adjusted to keep our community safe and healthy. We thank you for understanding.