My big fat Jewish/Italian wedding comes to New Port Richey

After a successful first production of The Godfather's Meshuggener Wedding at Spartan Manor in early April, the newly formed Ovation Dinner Theatre added shows. Now there are four: May 1, 3, 17 and 23.

"I am pleased to say that we had a great opening show," said Deborah Louise Ortiz, who recently left Dangerous Curves Productions and a successful acting career in New York to start a production company in New Port Richey. "Everyone had a wonderful time."

Godfather's Meshuggener starts out looking like a regular wedding, but as the show progresses, the godfather and wedding party mingle with the paying customers, who can become part of the show or simply sit and observe. There's a medley of singing, dancing, jokes, occasional family feuds, and whatever happens to happen.

As the show starts, the lovely Angela Borleone (Hillary Brook), the beloved daughter of godfather Don Borleone (Anthony Saverino), is marrying the nerdy Jewish boy Bernie Goldberg (Chris Duplis).

Hovering nearby is Bernie's doting mum, Goldie (Anne Lakey), who cannot believe that any girl is good enough for her little boy.

Also in the wedding party are the voluptuous Linda Linguine (Susan Nichols) and the godfather's right-hand man, Tony Rigatoni (Dino Puglia).

The godfather has made sure that Father Neil Scallopine (Alex Rudy) is there to officiate. The Goldbergs, meanwhile, have brought Rabbi Hyman Simon (Shawn Bell) to say the proper words over the new couple.

When Bernie's ex-girlfriend, Marla Mermelstein (Chelsea MacDanz), shows up, and guests Sal Monella (Brian Reid), Michael Feinstein (Paul Renkal) and Debbie Goldberg (Angela Gluchowski) get in on the action, there's pure mayhem.

The show originated with the New York Dinner Theatre in Manhasset, where it has been going for a dozen years.