‘Til death do us part! Anthony J. Wilkinson, creator and star of My Big Gay Italian Wedding, is bringing the show’s wacky sequel, My Big Gay Italian Funeral, to off-Broadway’s St. Luke’s Theatre beginning June 1. In addition to Wilkinson as Anthony, the new dark comedy will star Wedding alums Marissa Perry (Hairspray) and Brett Douglas, reprising their roles as Maria and Maurizio, respectively. Directed by Sonia Blangiardo, opening night is set for June 16.
The cast of My Big Gay Italian Funeral features Brian Murphy as Peter, Donna Castellano as Angela, Chad Kessler as Rabbi Howie Horowitz, Debra Toscano as Toniann, Mustafa Gatollari as Dominick, Erik Ransom as Vidal, Liz Gerecitano as Lucia, Meagan Robar as Connie, Eva and Aunt Donna and Beth Dzuricky as Ondine, with ensemble members Brandon Goins and Marie Fontaine.
The new comedy picks up after the Wedding leaves off, at the funeral of Anthony’s father Joe. In My Big Gay Italian Funeral, Anthony is reunited with his gay brother Peter Pinnunziato, who he hasn’t spoken to in over a decade. Family drama and crazy characters unite when everything that can possibly happen at an Italian wake certainly will!
My Big Gay Italian Funeral will run in repertory with My Big Gay Italian Wedding, currently playing at St. Luke’s Theatre, through August. No official closing date has been announced.