Looking for a feel-good summer comedy this month? Look no further than Ottawa Little Theatre’s production of Always a Bridesmaid performing July 16-Aug. 2.
Directed by Lisa Dunn, who has been active in the Ottawa theatre scene for about a decade, says that she’s been working on this farcical comedy since April, with a volunteer cast and crew.
The story follows a group of women in their 50s who committed on the night of their high school graduation that they would be in each other’s weddings for all eternity. Each woman has a different relationship to matrimony — some walking down the aisle a few times, some not at all.
Photo by Maria Vartanova.
“It’s sort of their journey of friendship and it all is centred in a traditional southern-style wedding venue,” says Dunn. “There are a lot of mix-ups and confusion and silly little incidents that lead to some hijinx on stage and some fun moments for the cast. I think audiences can expect that they’re not coming to see something heavy — it’s a very light, fun night out.”
Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, or someone more skeptical of finding true love, a bit of a bridezilla, or someone who’s had to suffer through uncomfortable bridesmaid dresses, there’s a little bit of everybody in the show for audiences.
“There’s a character on that stage that represents a lot of women,” says Dunn. “But I think above all, what most people will see is friendship and lasting relationships. Sometimes the great loves in your life aren’t always through traditional marriage — they may be through the friendships that you make when you’re in seventh grade and carry on through your lifetime.”
Photo by Maria Vartanova.
The cast and crew of Always a Bridesmaid is one that Dunn is thrilled to work with. The cast features a variety of actors from all walks of life and who all have different theatrical experiences. Despite this, the chemistry on stage is undeniable.
“It’s been really fun bringing together this new group of women and helping build the friendship onstage and offstage,” says Dunn. “We’ve worked really hard on really exploring their characters and their friendships and their connections to one another. Through that exploration these women have formed a beautiful real-life friendship and bond.”
Photo by Maria Vartanova.
Everything from the costumes, to the set design has been so intentionally created for this performance. Dunn says that she hopes audiences really take in the whole theatrical atmosphere.
“The whole theatre is done up to feel like you’re at a wedding venue, from flowers down the aisle to gift tables and cake tables,” says Dunn. “I think we’re managed to create an atmosphere that feels like you’ve come to somebody’s wedding, which I’m really excited for audiences to experience.”
Make sure you grab your tickets to Ottawa Little Theatre’s Always a Bridesmaid performing from July 16-Aug. 2. For more information about the show, visit their website. Tickets can be purchased online.
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