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3. Grown-ups miss playing pretend. 4. Lots of people want to convince themselves (and their mothers) that not marrying young is a smart decision. 5. There aren't many theaters you can drink in. These are some of the possible reasons why Tony and Tina's Wedding, playing in Portland through Feb. 1, is so wildly popular. This interactive, improvisational theatrical phenomenon takes the term "virtual reality" to unimaginable levels. Going to the wedding of two strangers doesn't sound like something the public would wholeheartedly embrace. Going to a wedding with bland food, a no-host bar and an entry fee sounds even more unappealing, but the staged wedding and reception for Tony Nunzio and Tina Vitale is a certified hit.
It is funny, full of racy and ethnic jokes. And the "cast" keeps in character with eerie success. But the strangest part is how much the "guests" make the show. Without them to watch and interact with, the play, such as it is, would fall as flat as day old champagne. These guests, who look as diverse as any random group of Portlanders plucked from a busy street (actually more diverse), get really into it. Walking from the First Unitarian Church, where the service takes place, to the reception in the Commandery Room of the Art Museum, I overheard a woman discussing her own daughter's wedding and subsequent grandchild with the "mother of the bride." Inside, it's like being at a party where everyone has gotten drunk before you arrived and, thus, is swimming in an alternate reality. People, normal-seeming people, pretend the action is real, and so in a weird way, a very weird way, it becomes real, a modern version of The Emperor's New Clothes. In fact, most of what's going on is real--there's real food and drink and people you touch; pay an extra dollar and dance with the bride or groom. Several guests confused me; I honestly couldn't tell whether they were part of the show or not. But I shouldn't talk. I was flattered when the best man told me I was a quick learner on the dance floor. And I even enjoyed the conga. I still can't believe that happened. What does this mean? Some mind-boggling holiday-induced fever? What other explanation could there be for Nordstrom hanging apologies in its window displays explaining why the store will not have holiday decorations until after Thanksgiving. I realize that this represents a reverse-marketing ploy, some way to convince shoppers that Nordstrom (like Macy's in Miracle on 34th Street) doesn't think of the holidays as simply a means to fast cash, but the fact that the decoration concern even comes up is telling. Stranger still are the results of a nationwide poll commissioned by American Express, which reveals holiday shoppers plan to spend an average of $879 on presents this year. (Interestingly, men outspend women by $400). I was pleased to note that Westerners plan to spend $764 on gifts while Southerners say they will shell out $1,027 for presents. One early favorite for Portland Present of the Year is Pink Martini's long, long awaited CD, Sympathique. On Thursday, Dec. 4, the band will host a record release party at the Schintz--not a place many local bands hold CD releases, but then there aren't many local bands that have played for the President and Mrs. Clinton, either. Tickets for the 8 pm show cost $8 and $10 and are on sale through Fastixx (224-8499). While there won't be lots of room to dance, the band will perform the entire album plus work that will be new to even the most devoted Pink fans. If that doesn't sound like enough fun, keep in mind that reasons 1, 3 and 5 listed above apply here as well. And if you had married young, well, you'd probably have to stay home weeknights. I'll ask Tina. |
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