'Italian Comedy Wedding' an engaging, funny affair

It was just like we said last week: "A night like nothing before in Carson City." It was the production of "Joey and Maria's Comedy Italian Wedding," at the Plaza Hotel Conference Center Friday night.

It's the kind of production we haven't seen before here, and in the new location (behind the hotel) with a new sponsoring group (The Wild Horse Theater Company) it's a new era for us all here. Go - if you like lots of laughs and action and don't mind being part of the action as everybody gets involved.

The 150-plus audience was treated to a caricature of weddings, Italian or otherwise, as Joey Gnocchi (Rich Garrett, a blustering, "bello" groom in white tails) and Maria Cavatelli (Micha Marie Stevens, a determined, gum-chewing bride-to-be in full-length wedding gown) battled their way to the altar, where Pastor Matzo (Kevin Karp) presided firmly, even pulling Joey around by the ear.

The omnipresent Karen Chandler of the CHS faculty offers a fine shouting version of Netta Gnocchi in a very flashy mini, Matt Riddle is Al Dente, nominally the best man, and Kathryn Weber-Karp is Tina Tubbatini, a finely jittery maid of honor.

The whole affair is modeled after a dysfunctional wedding, and it comes complete with a cash bar (try that at your next wedding), an Italian buffet and dance music. All is included, including the good times.

The "Wedding" continues Fridays and Saturdays through June 23 at 6:30 p.m., action starts at 7; matinees June 10 and 24 at 2 p.m. Tariff is $49.50 with discounts; call 887-0438, also available at the door.

SEASON OPENERS

South Shore Lake Tahoe officially salutes the summer season with the third annual Opening Day Lake Tahoe on June 16-17.

The event will encompass lake activities in the Blue World and the first-ever Blue Avenue Block Party at Stateline. Events scheduled for the weekend include the Great Lake Tahoe Sternwheeler Race, Miss Hawaiian Tropic Northern Nevada State Finals, Mardi Gras Boat Parade, World's Highest Parasail Competition, Harley/Hot Rod Displays and food vendors representing some of Tahoe's finest restaurants.

MUSIC IN THE AIR

For those of us who enjoyed the music of the late John Lee Hooker, there's good news from Shout! Factory and the Hooker Foundation in the form of a re-release of two CDs, "Don't Look Back" (1997) and "Jealous" (1987). Both go on sale July 17. Van Morrison has a track on "Don't Look Back" and appears in four duets. These are fine Hooker works, the old man at his bluesest.

Umphrey McGee's latest CD, "The Bottom Half," is all the encouragement one needs to go over the hump to Truckee, where McGee appears at the Regional Park tomorrow.

50TH BIRTHDAY BOOK

The University of Nevada, Reno Press marked the 50th anniversary of the publication of Robert Laxalt's "Sweet Promised Land" with a celebration at the Getchell Library on campus Tuesday night. Almost 100 book lovers turned up to hear praise and readings from the work by Nevada's most famous and loved author. The most poignant moment came when Laxalt's daughter, Monique Laxalt, read from the book. A lawyer and author herself, she lent a family touch to the proceedings. The library will be displaying Robert Laxalt memorabilia and manuscripts on the second floor for several weeks.

FROM THE VAULTS

The 1995 thriller "To Die For" stars Nicole Kidman as Suzanne Stone, an aspiring TV personality who will do anything to be in the spotlight - including enlisting three teenagers to kill her husband. It won a Golden Globe and had another nine nominations. In addition to Kidman, it features Matt Dillon, Joaquin Phoenix, Casey Affleck, Illeana Douglas and is directed by Gus Van Sant.

Memorable line from Kidman to Dillon, "If you wanted a baby-sitter, you should marry Mary Poppins." This is a much overlooked film and Kidman does a fine job as the ambitious if naive TV wannbe. Buck Henry, co-screenwriter, is the cruel schoolteacher. Rated R.

• Contact Sam Bauman at 881-1236 or Nevadaappeal.com.