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‘It’s My Wedding, Dear Grandpa’ puts the fun in dysfunctional

Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman The cast of Alpena Civic Theatre’s “It’s My Wedding, Dear Grandpa” poses at a recent rehearsal. The comedy continues at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Pictured, front row, from left, are Julie Meyers, Amanda Hulsey, Zach Clement, and Larry Johns. Pictured in back, from left, are Emma Barz, Taylor Ayotte, Doug S. Haines, Katie Hubbard, Matt Southwell, Ashley Goodburne, Steven Holmes, and Linda Suneson.

ALPENA — If you have a family, you will likely be able to relate to the humorous and dysfunctional dynamics in “It’s My Wedding, Dear Grandpa” at Alpena Civic Theatre.

The comedy continues this week at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and the final show is at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Written by East Tawas playwright Michal Jacot, “It’s My Wedding, Dear Grandpa” centers around the driven and meticulous Amber, who is planning what she hopes to be the perfect wedding to her laid-back fiance, Scott. Despite her fastidious preparations, her disorganized siblings Keith and Frankie think they’re helping but end up screwing up every task they’re given. Amber’s bossy mother won’t listen to her concerns, and even suggests she share her special day with her cranky old grandpa and his longtime girlfriend, who also happens to be a kleptomaniac. “It’s My Wedding, Dear Grandpa” paints a hilarious picture of a complicated family that seems to love each other, but can’t stand each other’s quirks sometimes.

The cast is comprised of some seasoned ACT actors, as well as several newcomers to the Civic Theatre stage.

Amanda Hulsey aces the role of main character Amber Hartley, making her Type A personality come to life. Amber does a lot of stressing out and yelling at her siblings, whose incompetence would test anyone’s patience.

Zach Clement brings a sense of calm to the stage as Amber’s fiance, Scott Bachelor. His kind attempts to ease Amber’s worries counterbalance her stress levels, showing that they are a great fit as a couple.

Newcomer Katie Hubbard does an excellent job portraying Amber’s sister, Frankie, whose unpolished demeanor adds some crass humor to the production, especially when she and her brother, Keith, get going.

Matt Southwell delights with his sarcasm and wit, and a whole lot of stupidity, as Amber and Frankie’s brother, Keith Hartley. He thinks he’s too cool for his family, and they disagree entirely, as he botches everything he’s put in charge of for the wedding.

Steven Holmes plays Walter “Grandpa” Hartley, a grumpy old man who’s just about had it with everything. Holmes provides a curmudgeonly presence that will likely remind playgoers of some older relatives in their own families.

Linda Suneson brings a joyful charm to the stage as Grandpa’s forgetful and confused fiancee, Bonnie Allen, who has a habit of sticking random items in her purse.

Julie Meyers dominates the stage as Amber’s pushy mother, Marie Hartley, who has her own way of doing things, and others had better accept it.

Larry Johns does a very believable job of playing her submissive husband, Al Hartley, who tends to repeat what she says to show that he agrees with her.

Newcomer Ashley Goodburne adds another layer of humor as Scott’s uncouth sister and Amber’s maid of honor, Donna Bachelor, who is a tomboy and diesel mechanic.

Doug S. Haines hilariously plays Pastor Fairbanks, a pastor who earned his certification online, and also works at Taco Bell.

Taylor Ayotte and Emma Barz play exotic dancers who might not be at the right party. They also happen to be musicians whose talents come in handy.

Audience members should be able to relate to many of the characters in this unique and chaotic comedy that will keep playgoers laughing from start to finish.

In addition to Director Scott Edgar, the crew includes Assistant Directors Pam Swope and Ted Rockwell, Stage Managers Debby Edgar and Dani Ayotte, Jay Kettler on light design, Rockwell as light technician, and Doreen Kriniak as intermission hostess. Edgar and Rockwell built the set. Costumers are Virginia Hulsey and Mary Ann Crawford.

Adult tickets are $20 per seat for all shows. Tickets for college students with a valid ID are $15, and tickets for elementary through high school students are $10 each. For tickets, call ACT at 989-354-3624. Alpena Civic Theatre is located at 401 River St., Alpena.

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