Cappies Review from Emily Zauzmer: Father of the Bride
Before Bridesmaids, before Bridezillas, and before My Big Fat Greek Wedding, there was Father of the Bride.
According to the old adage, a bride should wear something old and something new to her wedding. Interboro High School's production of Father of the Bride fulfilled these requirements, bringing new charm to the old story.
Adapted from Edward Streeter's 1949 novel of the same name, the 1950 movie starred Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor. Steve Martin and Diane Keaton headlined the 1991 remake, and both films spawned sequels.
When Kay Banks, the apple of her father's eye, announces her engagement to Buckley Dunstan, the Bank's household is turned upside down with wedding hysteria. Kay originally agrees to Buckley's insistence on a modest wedding, but the fuss at the Banks home leads to an entirely different affair. From the guest lists to the gifts to the flowers to the furniture to the wardrobe and more, every detail reminds Mr. Banks that he must give away his daughter and his money.
As Mr. Banks, Tré Fountain used posture, mannerisms, and voice to play a middle-aged man with exceptional believability. Though at times the pace of the production lagged, Fountain's commanding stage presence helped the play progress. Portraying Kay, Sara Spicer captured many emotions with ease ˜ notably love, irritation, and fear. With strong tension and touching affection, Fountain and Spicer interacted well together.
In a supporting role as Kay's younger brother Tommy, CJ Harris shined even when he was not engaged in dialogue. While others conversed, he comedically mimed boxing, driving a car, and kissed an invisible bride-to-be. Additionally, Sarah Evans played Mrs. Banks with maternal sweetness.
The icing on the wedding cake was Kevin Robinson's hilarious performance as Mr. Massoula. He added a welcome burst of energy in the role of the flamboyant caterer.
The functional set by Justin Bernauer, Andrew Cheezum, Nick Graham, and Steve Slaton was homey and befitted the 1950s time period. From the sound team of Shawn Reasin and Michael Yarabinee came authentic noises like telephones and doorbells.
Interboro High School's Father of the Bride unveiled the virtues of family and love, all with a few laughs. I do thoroughly applaud the cast and crew on a delightful production. This is one event for which you definitely want your name on the guest list.
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About The Cappies
The Cappies, "Critics and Awards Program," is a program through which high school theater and journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews in local newspapers like The Washington Post, Cincinnati Enquirer, Dallas Morning News, Kansas City Star, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.