Joni and Gina's Wedding

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Joni and Gina's Wedding is an award winning lesbian version Tony n' Tina's Wedding.^[1] The format is an audience interactive "comedy" where patrons are wedding guests who mingle with "Hollywood actors^{[citation needed]}" posing as members of an eclectic wedding party. The show is the creation of Marianne Basford and Ann Lippert. Joni And Gina’s Wedding opened June 21, 2002 in Van Nuys, CA. and subsequent productions have been "enjoyed" throughout California. "Celebrities" such as Alison Arngrim (“Nasty Nellie” Oleson) from Little House on the Prairie have appeared in productions. "Some" of the proceeds are donated to the Equality Campaign, which helps to fight against U.S. constitutional amendments that discriminate against same sex marriage.^[2]

The "plot" is an All-American Military family joining an overbearing Jewish family as they attend their gay daughters wedding and wild reception. The party begins as “wedding guests” arrive and mingle at the bar area where appetizers and cocktails are served. Family members also mingle and greet patrons who are soon escorted into the “church” for the "Almost holy union" of the two young lovers Joni Gottlieb, a Jewish sports enthusiast, and Gina Spaulding, the sentimental daughter of a rigid military family. The show is rounded out by an eclectic and fun cast of characters who provide plenty of "laughs" for everyone.^{[citation needed]} After dinner, wedding cake and champagne are served; the real "fun" begins. Guests participate in a not-so-traditional bouquet toss, learn to line dance, dance the Hora and lots of "surprises". The three-ring circus commences as everyone participates in a sing-a-long finale.