By EDDIE DANIELS

Special to The Van Wert independent

The plush lobby of a hotel reception hall sets the stage for Off Stage Productions’ latest dinner theatre Kiss the Bride.  As soon as the lights come up, it is obvious all is not blissful. Without a word, we can see that Stan (Jon Perkins) is fed up with the whole thing. When his wife Katie (Crystal Cully) enters, we quickly see that weddings are not happy occasions for everyone.

We soon learn that the new groom, Lou (Ed Eichler), has arranged to have his new rich wife (Monica Campbell) murdered so that he can pay off his gambling debts. Lou mistakes Stan for the hit man and sends him upstairs to do the deed, but Alice proves to be uncooperative, at least with Lou’s plans.

 When the real would-be killers, Mitch (Schuyler Williams) and Luby (Cat White), come, we quickly learn they have already kidnapped the wrong bride (Mary Thomas) at the wrong reception. Luckily, the detective (Dave Ricker) is able to untangle the whole mess – or is he also caught in the web of deception?

With misdirection and confused identities, Kiss the Bride is entertaining from beginning to end. As well acted as it is, it’s hard to believe that four of the actors in this show have limited stage experience. Indeed, one is hard pressed to pick out the veteran actors from the newcomers.

Perkins is one of the veterans. It has been a pleasure watching him hone his acting skills as he has appeared in numerous shows in the area. In this show, he is able to demonstrate his considerable ability through several extended periods when he has action without saying a word.

Cully plays an elegant and stylish Katie and is perhaps the only “normal” character in the whole play.  She is in command of her character and has good range in reactions to events around her, but somehow she is able to make us not feel sorry for her at the end of the show.

Campbell’s Alice is a loveable bride. She manages to develop this likableness even as she progresses through several stages of intoxication and lechery. Campbell plays a very challenging part with talent and commitment.

Lou, as played by Eichler, is a calculating and not real bright con artist.  He looks and acts like the devious groom he is portraying. Perhaps because he is oblivious to his own situation, Eichler makes sure we have no sympathy for Lou’s predicament. 

Williams and White play so well together they are almost one character, and make us believe that they share a very special bond. Even though they are supposedly hired killers, they make us love them. We laugh at their fights and see the other tensions and the affection in their relationship. Still the relationship flows seamlessly from one scene to the next. We look forward to seeing these performers in their next show.

 There is no doubt when Ricker enters that he is in charge and is the law, while Thomas plays the wrong bride with such enthusiasm it’s hard to understand how she was kidnapped in the first place.  An excellent first performance for both actors.


Seats are still available for Kiss the Bride.  Tickets are $22 for the buffet dinner catered by Grants Catering and the performance. Remaining show dates are April 24 and 25 and doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Van Wert Armory, 214 S. Washington St.  For an enjoyable and affordable evening out, call 419.605.6708 for reservations. For more information on Offstage Productions, visit www.offstagetheatre.com.