Tulsa’s ATC presents, My Big Gay Italian Funeral

Following last summer's hit, My Big Gay Italian Wedding, American Theatre Company presents its sequel, My Big Gay Italian Funeral. Kathryn Hartney will again direct a cast of 15 of Tulsa's “best comic actors.” 

My Big Gay Italian Funeral will open the summer at ATC Studios on Friday, July 29. Created by Anthony J. Wilkinson, the production is a comedic but heart-felt tribute to his own father, who passed away, and highlights some of the lighter moments of an Italian wake. 

This is a hilarious take on all of the fun characters that show up at a funeral home. The outrageously entertaining Staten Island family, the Pinnunziatos from Italian Wedding, is back in this hilarious sequel. The story from Wedding continues, with Funeral picking up where Wedding left off, and includes some of the same characters.

The family is now at the funeral of Anthony’s father Joe. 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, does.

With an incredible ensemble of comedic actors, this hilarious take on one of life's worst moments will make you laugh so hard you will cry!

Heading up the cast is veteran Tulsa actor Liz Masters, as matriarch Angela Pinnunziato, with ATC regulars Mvnte July (She Kills Monsters and Wedding), Timothy Hunter (Godot, Superior Donuts and Wait Until Dark) and Christopher Hunter (She Kills Monsters).

Also, Jay Christie returns as Maurizio, the funeral planner, Freddie Tate (National Pastime and Wedding), Ashley Morecraft (Wait Until Dark and She Kills Monsters), Angie McLemore (Wedding), Joe Merenda (Wedding) and Brad Gemeinhart (A Christmas Carol).

Kathryn Hartney directs the production, with scenery by Richard Ellis, lighting by Melinda Lewis and costumes by Marni Smith. 

Also opening that night in ATC’s Bruestle and Barrows Gallery, located in the ATC Studios, will be the work of Tulsa artist Jay Exon and Jared Boyd.

My Big Gay Italian Funeral is being presented at American Theatre Company Studios at 308 So. Lansing in downtown Tulsa’s East Village from June 17 - 26. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. and matinee performances at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 general admission and $18 for seniors and older students. For tickets, call (918) 747-9494.

The Gayly - 7/10/2016 @ 8:10 a.m. CDT.