Get ready to say "I do" to one of the wildest, most heartwarming events Seattle has ever seen! Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding isn’t just a show — it’s a party where every guest is family and every moment is filled with laughter, drama, and more than a little bit of fabulousness. Since its off-Broadway debut in 1988, this immersive experience has redefined what it means to “go to the theater,” inviting audience members to join the onstage madness as guests at the most uproarious wedding reception ever conceived.
You’re cordially invited to celebrate the union of Tony Nunzio and Tina Vitale, two young lovers from feuding Italian-American families. The ceremony is heartfelt — and hilariously unpredictable — but the reception is where things really heat up. Picture yourself dancing to a wedding singer, savoring a full Italian feast, and getting swept up in the kind of family drama that would put your own relatives to shame. With a tipsy priest, bickering bridesmaids, and relatives who never learned the meaning of “indoor voice,” you’ll be in the thick of the action — whether you planned it or not.
But this isn’t just a love story between a boy and a girl — it’s a celebration of queerness. Since the show’s creation, Tina’s brother has been a central part of the story, bringing authenticity and heart to the wedding. His presence infuses the production with a timeless, unapologetically Queer energy, reminding us that families today are as diverse as they are loving (and just as likely to argue over who gets the first slice of cake).
Directing the festivities is Tony Lauria, whose passion for inclusion and representation shines through in every detail. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Lauria infuses the production with authenticity and joy, blending seasoned New York actors with Seattle’s brightest talents. The result? A cast that feels like a real, if slightly unhinged, family — one you’ll be happy to claim as your own, if only for one unforgettable night.
Curious to learn more, I spoke with Lauria about what makes this production so special.
FG: What drew you to Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, and what has kept you passionate about it over the years?
TL: What first drew me to Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding was the thrill of improv and the energy of New York City’s theater scene. As a young actor with a knack for thinking on my feet, I auditioned twice — once in 1990 and again in 1991. The second time, I landed the role, and what followed was five and a half unforgettable years performing seven shows a week.
At the time, I thought my journey with the production had ended. But in 2004, the opportunity to direct the touring production reignited my love for this one-of-a-kind show.
What keeps Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding so exciting is its ability to evolve. It’s not just a show — it’s a living, breathing experience that grows with the times. Over the years, it has adapted to reflect pop culture, remaining as relevant today as when it first began.
But what truly keeps it fresh is the magic of bringing it to new cities. Every town has its own personality, and working with local casts infuses the production with new energy and perspectives. Each cast member brings something unique — choices, humor, and interpretations that surprise and delight me, even after more than two decades.
The real magic of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding lies in its ability to connect people — audiences and performers alike. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most talented, funny, and creative performers across the country. Their passion and originality breathe new life into the show every time, and that’s what keeps me coming back. It’s not just theater — it’s an ever-changing celebration of creativity, community, and connection.
FG: What do you think makes this show so timeless and universally appealing, and what do you hope audiences take away from their experience?
TL: The timeless appeal of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding lies in its ability to evolve while staying rooted in something everyone can relate to—a wedding. Weddings are universal, filled with love, chaos, laughter, and unforgettable moments. And just like any great wedding, this show is a party — a wildly fun and hilariously unpredictable one.
What makes it special is the immersive experience. From the moment the audience steps in, they’re not just watching — they’re part of it. We’ve perfected the art of making people feel like they’ve attended the most entertaining, over-the-top wedding ever. It’s an experience that leaves people laughing, dancing, and talking about it long after it’s over.
Our goal is simple: we want audiences to let loose, embrace the chaos, and leave feeling like they were part of something unforgettable. If you come ready to have fun, we’ll make sure you leave with memories of the best “wedding” you’ve ever attended!
FG: How do you balance the scripted elements of the play with the improvisational interactions with the audience?
TL: Balancing the scripted elements with the improvisational interactions is all about creating the perfect illusion of a real wedding. From the moment guests arrive, they’re stepping into a world that feels authentic — complete with a wedding singer, an MC, and even a caterer. The atmosphere is so familiar that most people instinctively know the flow of the event, allowing us to blend the planned with the spontaneous seamlessly.
The magic of improv happens before the ceremony begins and during the reception, where the cast mingles with the audience, creating unscripted, laugh-out-loud moments that feel completely organic. When it’s time to shift focus back to the scripted scenes, we know exactly how to command attention and bring everyone together. It’s a delicate dance between chaos and control, and it’s what makes the experience so immersive and unforgettable. The audience isn’t just watching a wedding — they’re living it.
FG: Do audience members dress up for the show, and if so, how has it added to the overall experience?
TL: Absolutely! Many audience members love to dress up for the show, and it adds an incredible layer of authenticity to the experience. Of course, not everyone does — but those who show up underdressed might find themselves at the receiving end of a playful comment from the bride!
What’s impressive is how each city brings its own flair to the event. When the audience embraces the wedding vibe and comes dressed to impress, it elevates the room's energy and makes the experience feel even more immersive. It’s like stepping into a real wedding where everyone is part of the celebration. Whether they’re rocking cocktail attire or their best party outfit, it all adds to the fun and makes the night unforgettable.
FG: How do you ensure that LGBTQ+ characters are both funny and respectfully portrayed, and why is representation important in a show like this?
TL: Representation is at the heart of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, and we take great care to ensure that LGBTQ+ characters are portrayed with both humor and respect. Tina’s brother, who identifies as Gay, has been part of the show since its creation. Back then, his storyline reflected the cultural realities of the time — his mother was in denial about his sexuality, even though he was out to her. As the world has evolved, so has the character. Today, the conflict has shifted to something more nuanced: his mother now wishes he’d date a nice Italian young man instead of his older Puerto Rican boyfriend. It reflects how families — and society — have grown, while keeping the humor grounded in relatable dynamics.
A Gay actor typically plays the role, and we encourage them to bring their full humanity, heart, and individuality to the character. This isn’t just about representation — it’s about authenticity. Including Queer characters in an immersive show like this is essential, because it mirrors the diversity of the real world. Weddings are celebrations of love, family, and community, and everyone must see themselves reflected in that joy. It’s not just representation — it’s connection, and it’s what makes the show feel so real and so meaningful.
FG: How do you celebrate your Queer identity through your work, and what does that mean to you?
TL: As an actor, director, and musician, my Queer identity is an integral part of my creative voice. Everything I’ve lived through — from coming out at 19 to surviving the turbulent ’80s, the hopeful ’90s, and the rollercoaster years since — shapes how I approach my work.
Coming out in 1982 wasn’t easy. It was a tough, unforgiving time to be openly Gay, but I made it through. I’m still here, and that’s something I celebrate every single day. My journey, my resilience, and my pride fuel everything I create. It’s not just about surviving — it’s about thriving, and that’s the energy I bring to every project.
FG: What’s the wildest or most memorable thing an audience member has done during a performance?
TL: Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of wild moments — especially all the surprise engagements — but one memory from the ’90s takes the cake. Back then, I was playing the best man, and part of the bit was passing around baggies of fake coke to the audience. Harmless fun, right? Well, not this time. I handed one to the wrong guest — a police officer.
Before I knew it, he was on his feet, ready to escort me out of the theater in handcuffs. The audience thought it was part of the show, laughing and cheering, while I was sweating bullets. Thankfully, the stage manager swooped in, explained it was just a prop, and saved me from what could’ve been the most awkward arrest in theater history.
FG: If you could invite any celebrity to be a guest at Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, who would it be and why?
TL: If I could invite any celebrity to Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, it would have to be Bill Murray. He was my first comedic hero, my earliest influence, and the reason I fell in love with the art of absurdity. As a kid, his iconic lounge lizard persona struck a chord deep in my soul — it was weird, it was twisted, and it was brilliant.
That character shaped me in ways I’m still discovering. My career-long dedication to my own warped, pansexual, and delightfully insipid lounge-lizard interpretation is my way of paying homage to the genius that is Bill Murray. Having him at the wedding? That would be the ultimate full-circle moment — and I’d probably spend the entire evening trying to make him laugh.
Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding is more than a play — it’s a riotous, loving salute to the chaos of family, the power of community, and the beauty of love in all its forms. Whether you show up in wedding attire or as your fabulous Queer self, you’ll leave with memories and maybe a few new family members.
Your ticket includes dinner, dancing, an unforgettable show, and endless laughter. Tickets are selling quickly, so gather your friends, bring your family, and get ready for a night of pure joy. Don’t wait — secure your spot now at http://www.tonylovestina.com/get-tickets for the wedding event of the year! Use promo code "Gaytastic" for a special discount.
Frank Gaimari is an author and film reviewer in Seattle. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. You can learn more about his work at www.FrankGaimari.com.
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