Cherie (Brenna Peerbolt) has just gotten engaged, something she has dreamed about since was a 12-year-old girl. Planning the wedding? A snap since, over the years, she was created the ultimate wedding binder that includes everything a bride needs. Unfortunately, for Cherie, life’s plans don’t always go the way one has planned.
This is the premise for Jacques Lamarre’s cute, fun, world-premiere comedy, The Wedding Binder. The playwright has crafted a show that leans heavily on humor, with just a smidgen of social and family commentary.
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| Brenna Peerbolt and Fior Rodriguez in The Wedding Binder |
The overriding issue for the proposed over-the-top wedding is money or, more precisely, the lack of the precious green backs. Cherie’s best friend, Michelle (Fior Rodriguez), when not swiping left or right on Tindr, tries to inject a notion of compromise into the discussion, much to her friend’s horror. Complicating matters are Cherie’s mean-spirited twin sister, Kitty, (Sydney Yargeau) and mettlesome mom, (Susan Haefner).
What makes The Wedding Binder different and more entertaining than the matter-of-fact plotline might imply, is Lamarre’s inclusion of the spirit of the wedding binder. The actor Billy Winter, garbed in a multi-colored, metallic sportscoat, brings forth the lifeforce and feelings of the binder. Unseen by others, he is a pixie-like character, delivering on-going patter and bon mots as he tries to preserve Cherie’s vision and his very existence.
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| Billy Winter in The Wedding Binder. |
In the end, which includes a few amusing twists, everything works out for the best for all parties.
The Wedding Binder is well-written and comes across as a very up-to-the-moment show. Technological references abound as do jabs at the high-priced wedding industry. A slightly strained mother-daughter relationship affords a degree of gravitas to the production. Director Sasha Brätt has a good feel for the characters and introduces each new manic-inducing situation with well-timed aplomb within Set Designer Emily Nichols’ serviceable apartment environment. The pacing is brisque and he skillfully incorporates Nathan Avakian’s Lighting Design to great effect.
The five-person cast provides a lighthearted romp through cupid’s garden. Brenna Peerbolt is amusing as the harried bride. She finely toes the line between elation and doom and gloom. Fior Rodriguez imbues Michelle with a down-to-earth practicality, which meshes smoothly with her bestie’s plight. Sydney Yargeau, in a more one-dimensional role, nonetheless, supplies a host of well-placed zingers. Susan Haefner, a frequent presence on Connecticut stages, adds a warmhearted dollop of common sense and motherly love. Director Bratt allows Billy Winter to let loose as the scheming, whining, and comical wedding binder. His performance keeps the show diverting and entertaining.
The Wedding Binder, playing at Seven Angels theater through April 6. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
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