by Annie McGrath

Viva Las Vegas! Come join the Kings Players at the Temple Theatre in Hanford for Four Weddings and an Elvis. Opening August 18 and running through September 3. When we were selecting plays for the 2023 season, the second I read this play I knew I wanted to direct it; the only trouble is I had never directed a play before! I am so very glad that I decided to make this play my first.

We had a terribly difficult time finding actors, but we ended up with one of the most talented groups of people I have ever worked with, and as a new director, boy, has that saved my bacon! The lovely and talented Vicki Ralston has taken on the role of Sandy, the ever so snarky, hopelessly romantic, proprietor of The Little Chapel in Las Vegas. We get to meet three of the most memorable couples she’s seen in her 17 years in the business.

First up is Bev (Rebecca) and Stan (Micheal Barker) who have flown out to get back at their exes for dumping them. We also are serenaded live by the Elvis minister from next door, John, who is played by Omar Pimental. Will they make their exes jealous?

Second are Vanessa Wells and Bryce Cannon, played by newcomer Christine Leach and our own Mike Betcher. These aging but still fabulous stars are determined to become the talk of the town once again. Lou, played by the fantastic Dana Shriver, is the sweetest, little old man you ever want to meet. He’s come in for a job as a minister that can play Elvis, only trouble is he’s 70! Hope he doesn’t scare off Sandy’s important celebrity couple.

Third, we get to meet a sweet, sincere postman and his bride to be: a sassy, foulmouthed, tattooed ex-con. Fiona, played by the very sweet Asher Jay, is very in love with her groom Marvin played by the incomparable Michael Barker (who saved the day by taking on two roles!) Wouldn’t you know? But in bursts Fist (Michael Adams), an inmate who has “paroled” himself to break up the wedding. Who will she choose?

After all this, Sandy is ready to walk down the aisle for the fifth time. It’s a chance to get all those crazy people back for a very interesting wedding party.

Truly a heartwarming story! This show is PG13 due to some coarse language.

You can learn more and purchase tickets on the Kings Players website.

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