Listen, we’ve all been there. Our ex invites us to their wedding, hoping we can congratulate them and be happy for their newfound relationship. Meanwhile, we’re still heartbroken, secretly hoping they’ll take us back, masking our pain with booze and other paraphernalia. OK, maybe we haven’t all been there. But for the characters in the Red Barn Theatre’s production of “At the Wedding,” that’s exactly what happens.
Written by Bryna Turner, “At the Wedding” follows Carlo, a snarky, hilarious and heartbroken lead who attends her ex-girlfriend’s wedding in hopes of winning her love back. Still longing for her old flame, and never refusing a drink, Carlo wrestles with her inner reflections on love, marriage and guilt from a failed relationship.
From the opening moments, audiences are thrown into the fast-paced, ear-catching dialogue masterfully employed by Turner. Add the dynamic acting of the Red Barn’s cast, and there’s never a dull moment. I found myself so drawn into the story that the play felt like one giant act, seamlessly broken up by scenes. I never thought it possible to squeeze 120 minutes out of a single wedding, but I suppose that’s why I write the articles and not the plays.
This production also introduces two additions to the Red Barn crew: Jess Polak as Carlo, and Jody Orrigo as Eli — the nerve-wracking but wildly philosophical man itching to pop the question in his own relationship. Director Joy Hawkins couldn’t have chosen better actors for these roles. Their chemistry felt natural, and their presence on stage was tantalizing yet effortless.
Alongside them are Red Barn veterans Marth Hooten-Hattingh (Carly), Jack Macdonald (Victor), Rita Troxel (Maria) and Susannah Wells (Leigh) who delivered a performance that kept the momentum alive from start to finish.
Polak hadn’t graced the stage in over a decade and was convinced by a friend — just three hours before auditions began — to throw her hat in the ring.
“I always said I wanted to do it again, and I had no excuses not to go. I work a day job, and life is solid now,” said Polak.
Her husband of 10 years, Oren — a musician in Key West — told me this was the first time he’d ever seen Polak perform. “I’ve never seen her do anything. I knew she did it in college, but I was blown away,” he said.
Jody Orrigo (Eli) brings a stage presence that can only come from immense passion for the craft and years of training. When asked whether his quirks, facial expressions and physical movements were planned ahead of time, he said, “Some of it’s planned and part of practice, but I leave enough open so I can improvise on stage.”
If you’re a sucker for rom-coms, buy a ticket ASAP. “At the Wedding” runs through Feb. 14.
In classic Red Barn Theatre opening-night fashion, food was catered for guests and cast to enjoy together at an after-party.
