Healthy serving of laughter on the menu during Married to the Mob dinner theatre

Published on July 2nd, 2009

Published on January 31st, 2010

Big Tony slides into a chair at the table and leans in close. “Howz ya all doin? Everythin ok? You needz anythun? Anythun at all, youze let me know.” ‘Cause Tony can deliver.

Ed Kennedy, who plays Tony in this year’s Married to the Mob production for Rodd Grand Dinner Theatre, has 15 years experience in the arts along with the respect of other cast members for his talent. “Without his writing and vision we wouldn’t have anything, we wouldn’t get the laughs we do,” said fellow cast member Jenna Morton. She plays his curvaceous girlfriend – Trixie LaRue - in this year’s performance.

Audience participation is an important component of dinner theatres, with laughter frequently peppering the performance.

Last year, a member of the audience took interaction to a new level when Morton tore ligaments in her ankle during the show. She was carried off the floor (after finishing the act) by guest /firefighter Raymond Saulnier of Church Point.

Most of the cast has a musical background. The show all comes together during two and a half weeks rehearsal prior to opening night.

The actors have just as much fun as the audience, though that’s hard to believe as you watch the multi-talented, mostly local cast wait on tables, sing, play instruments and entertain with their delightful antics. “I’m a lifer,” said Morton of performing. “It’s too much fun. It’s like your playing dress up. There’s no other job in the world like it.”

Booking tickets for the Rodd Grand Dinner Theatre

Performances: Monday to Saturday

June 19 to August 31

Seating at 6:30 p.m.

Cost is $33.95 per person plus tax.

Call about group & discount rates.

Box office open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rodd Grand Hotel, or call 881-3015