Four Weddings and an Elvis
By: Nancy Frick
Directed by: Sara Jones
Produced by: Rover Dramawerks
Reviewed by: Eddy Herring
Ah love! It can make you do some crazy things. Some people spend tens of thousands of dollars to mark their (often about 20-minute) formal declaration of love in front of hundreds of friends and family. Some simply run down to the Justice of the Peace. And there are others who, either on a whim or intentionally, choose to embark on a trip to tie the knot Vegas style. There are several little wedding chapels in Sin City where, for as little as $200, you can select a theme ceremony officiated by an Elvis impersonator. In Four Weddings and an Elvis, this is what our couples decide to do.
The setting is appropriately designed by Sara Jones and Kyle Chinn, with a front desk and a small wedding venue complete with a rose-covered arch at the podium. Lighting by Kenneth Hall and Sound by Robbi Holman are simple and effective.
Danielle Elliott plays the lead role, Sandy, the chapel proprietor and the link that ties all of our mini-stories together. Sandy has seen it all in the 17 years and 5 marriages (to the same person) that she has owned this little chapel. Elliott brings a delightful charm to the jaded and slightly sarcastic Sandy that is a joy to watch. She has wonderful facial expressions and a quick dry delivery that is very entertaining in contrast to the parade of colorful characters that walk through the door.
The first couple we meet is Stan and Bev, played by Matthew Strauser and Amanda Dycus. These two play off each other very well and are fun to watch. They choose Elvis to preside over their nuptials, and so enters Elvis/John (Josh Radde). Kudos to Radde for confidently donning that incredibly awkward Elvis suit and for some very entertaining singing and slick moves. He had us in stitches!
Next we see Vanessa (Jane Talbert) and Bryce (Anthony Magee), two has-been actors who have come to the chapel for what turns out to be a failed publicity stunt. Their melodramatic portrayal of these self-loving, desperate-for-relevance “celebrities” is a hoot to watch. The visual of these two parading around in (and out) of their costumes is hysterical.
Then we meet Marvin (Scott Hickman) and Fiona (Nicole Denson), and boy did the energy in the room skyrocket! Hickman plays the super nerd so very convincingly…the clothes, the glasses, the posture, the voice. He was so perfect to play opposite of the brash, fresh-out-of-prison, gum-chewing (and a bit scary) Fiona. The second Denson began to speak (off-stage), there was a collective “oh no” from the audience. Denson was perfect in this role, bursting in like a scorned woman from a Jerry Springer episode. Of course, this storyline wouldn’t be complete without the sudden appearance of Fiona’s ex-partner-in-crime/lover Fist (Daniel White). And insert the amazing facial reactions by Elliott, this was my favorite scene of the evening.
And we can’t forget Lou, played by Stephan Roberts. Roberts is endearing as Lou and has some of the best one-liners in the show. He had us laughing out loud with the timing of his dry interjections. Really fun to watch.
Sara Jones has directed a wonderful cast and you really should come and see this show. It’s an enjoyable evening of silliness and you are guaranteed to laugh. There are six performances remaining, so get your tickets and don’t miss it!
Go See the Show!
Eddy Herring
Audience Rating: PG (mild language)
Accessible Seating: Yes, available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not available
Hearing Devices: Not available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable
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