Tony n' Tina's Wedding: Creating a Theatre Tribe

Kevin Serves a "Smoked" Salmon

Hosts Larry, Gret and Concetta welcome Kevin Alexander, an original member of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, who performed in early versions at the American Legion/VFW Halls, describing the show’s largely improvised structure, early rehearsals with little audience, and the need to recruit friends as unpaid catering “Black staff.” Kevin explains how he built Vinny Black from restaurant experience and influences like Andy Kaufman, Jerry Lewis, and Pat Cooper, and recalls bits such as the Cadillac of Caterers, breath-mint sprays, smoked salmon with a cigarette, and recycling leftover champagne. Carolyn Scott also joins to share memories of Kevin’s outrageous Vinny persona, backstage physical comedy at Gus’s Place, and how improvised moments became part of the show.Tony n' Tina's Wedding: Creating a Theatre Tribe is a twice-a-month podcast that follows original NY director and later collaborators of the sensational Off-Broadway hit, Tony n' Tina's Wedding, that features interviews and memories of the show that created friends that became family world-wide. This podcast is produced by Virtual Arts, and edited by Christy Patti.Virtual Arts is a theatre and event company that connects artists and audiences globally to realize the full potential of online and in person productions by developing authentic works of hope, humor and humanity. We offer assistance, guidance and production value for online community outreach events that raise awareness and support families and artists world-wide.Websitevirtualartsproductions.orgFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/tonyntinaswedding.podcastfacebook.com/VirtualArtsProdsInstagraminstagram.com/tonyntinasweddingpodcastinstagram.com/virtual.arts.prods#offbroadway #podcasts #virtualarts

Elizabeth and James Dance Through Drama

Hosts Larry, Gret and Concetta chat with Elizabeth Dennehy and James Altuner, who created Donna Marsala and Dominic Fabrizzi in Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, to revisit how the show grew out of overlapping “theater tribes” from Hofstra, Lambda, and David Kaplan’s acting class and early performances at the American Legion Hall before Carmelita’s. They share how characters, songs, and improvised bits evolved through tableaus and vignettes, including Donna’s musical dreams, Dominic’s influence from Sonny Corleone and the Nutty Professor, and recurring Dirty Dancing-inspired dances. They discuss audience interaction, crowd control, safety challenges, and why certain endings and ideas were dropped. The conversation includes memories of New York’s 1980s scene, meeting celebrities, touring, shifting from live bands to tracks, and how iconic choices carried into later productions. Tony n' Tina's Wedding: Creating a Theatre Tribe is a twice-a-month podcast that follows original NY director and later collaborators of the sensational Off-Broadway hit, Tony n' Tina's Wedding, that features interviews and memories of the show that created friends that became family world-wide. This podcast is produced by Virtual Arts, and edited by Christy Patti. Virtual Arts is a theatre and event company that connects artists and audiences globally to realize the full potential of online and in person productions by developing authentic works of hope, humor and humanity. We offer assistance, guidance and production value for online community outreach events that raise awareness and support families and artists world-wide. Website: virtualartsproductions.org Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tonyntinaswedding.podcastfacebook.com/VirtualArtsProds Instagram:instagram.com/tonyntinasweddingpodcastinstagram.com/virtual.arts.prods #offbroadway #podcasts #virtualarts

Tony Lauria Leads with Love

Hosts Larry, Gret, and Concetta talk with director/performer Tony Lauria about how the tour model—bringing key roles on the road and hiring local casts—keeps the show evolving in cities like Milwaukee and Seattle. Tony shares his long history with the production, his approach to directing while performing Donny, and why leading with kindness, inclusivity, and positive choices creates instant “family” with new companies. In the second half of the episode, performer Micah Spayer joins to discuss playing Donny Dolce, how he landed the role, his Chicago run as Donny and musical director, and the upcoming May Milwaukee engagement at the Fitzgerald. Tony n' Tina's Wedding: Creating a Theatre Tribe is a twice-a-month podcast that follows original NY director and later collaborators of the sensational Off-Broadway hit, Tony n' Tina's Wedding, that features interviews and memories of the show that created friends that became family world-wide. This podcast is produced by Virtual Arts, and edited by Christy Patti. Virtual Arts is a theatre and event company that connects artists and audiences globally to realize the full potential of online and in person productions by developing authentic works of hope, humor and humanity. We offer assistance, guidance and production value for online community outreach events that raise awareness and support families and artists world-wide. Website:virtualartsproductions.org Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tonyntinaswedding.podcastfacebook.com/VirtualArtsProds Instagram:instagram.com/tonyntinasweddingpodcastinstagram.com/virtual.arts.prods #offbroadway #podcasts #virtualarts

Joe Uses His Party Producing Skills

Hosts Larry, Gret and Concetta welcome original producer Joe Corcoran to revisit the show’s early days—from the American Legion Hall experiments and improvised “wedding” format to Joe raising $125,000 in a weekend and taking big risks to bring the production to Gus’ Place. Joe and Mark Nassar reflect on building a true party atmosphere, the challenges of producing an interactive show with food, a band, and a large cast, and how word of mouth and media coverage turned it into a hot ticket. They share stories about celebrity casting and unforgettable moments with audiences, and discuss the show’s lasting legacy through continued productions, friendships, and hopes for future reunions and new versions.Tony n' Tina's Wedding: Creating a Theatre Tribe is a twice-a-month podcast that follows original NY director and later collaborators of the sensational Off-Broadway hit, Tony n' Tina's Wedding, that features interviews and memories of the show that created friends that became family world-wide. This podcast is produced by Virtual Arts, and edited by Christy Patti. Virtual Arts is a theatre and event company that connects artists and audiences globally to realize the full potential of online and in person productions by developing authentic works of hope, humor and humanity. We offer assistance, guidance and production value for online community outreach events that raise awareness and support families and artists world-wide. Website:virtualartsproductions.org Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tonyntinaswedding.podcastfacebook.com/VirtualArtsProds Instagram:instagram.com/tonyntinasweddingpodcastinstagram.com/virtual.arts.prods #offbroadway #podcasts #virtualarts

Chris Brings the West to Nunzio

Hosts Larry, Gret and Christy welcome Christopher Fracchiolla, who played Mr. Nunzio and helped write the narrative-style character bios for the Samuel French version of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding. Chris discusses how Nunzio’s manipulation, drinking, and escalating darkness helped give the show tension, how lore like Dominic being “his son” developed, and how the production evolved from New York to Los Angeles over several years. They also recall key moments like the dollar dance and the challenges of tone, audience participation, alcohol, and latex aging makeup. Tony n' Tina's Wedding: Creating a Theatre Tribe is a twice-a-month podcast that follows original NY director and later collaborators of the sensational Off-Broadway hit, Tony n' Tina's Wedding, that features interviews and memories of the show that created friends that became family world-wide. This podcast is produced by Virtual Arts, and edited by Christy Patti. Virtual Arts is a theatre and event company that connects artists and audiences globally to realize the full potential of online and in person productions by developing authentic works of hope, humor and humanity. We offer assistance, guidance and production value for online community outreach events that raise awareness and support families and artists world-wide. Website:virtualartsproductions.org Facebook:www.facebook.com/tonyntinaswedding.podcast Instagram:instagram.com/tonyntinasweddingpodcast #offbroadway #podcasts #virtualarts