Ever been to a wedding where everything goes wrong? This one will float your boat. As a matter of fact, this wedding takes place on a boat. It’s an entertainment titled “Once Upon a Wedding,” which takes place aboard The William D. Evans, a sternwheeler docked at the Bahia Resort Hotel. Everyone is part of the act, with visitors portraying “invited” wedding guests, who are greeted on the gangplank by the bride’s great-uncle Julie (Harold MacPherson, Jr.). Julie considers himself a wedding expert, having been married nine times. He’s the show’s running gag. Fair warning: Ladies, he’s looking for No. 10. On Dec.15, the ship was loaded with convivial guests ranging in age from around 8 to almost 80. Many were in groups celebrating the holidays. Among them were around 30 nurses from Sharp Hospital; others were couples celebrating anniversaries or just having a grand time being entertained, dining and dancing. Written by Lisa Laughbaum, who plays the wedding singer, and young Ian Laughbaum, who portrays Chris Crost, the wedding coordinator-in-training, “Once Upon a Wedding” concerns the bride’s family, the Dudleys, and the groom’s family, the DoWrights. It’s corny, yes, but also romantic, sincerely played and full of popular romantic ballads accompanied by Bill the guitarist (Michael Laughbaum) and familiar upbeat tunes like the Beach Boys’ “Chapel of Love.” In the sincerity department, the father of the bride, Robert Dudley (Rick Rutti), and his reluctant-bride daughter, Daisy (T’pring McMillon) have a lovely scene. She’s been reading marriage statistics and suddenly becomes marriage shy, leaving her handsome groom (Charles Evans) at the altar as she hides under a banquet table. Antagonism is provided by Zina Dudley (Glenda Gerde), the mother of the bride who thinks it’s all about her. And comic relief is enhanced by the groom’s sister, Debbie (Lindsey Pino), who spouts new-age philosophy. Debbie really wants Daisy for her sister-in-law and these two young women sing well together in close harmony. Despite the chaos (by mistake, the rest of the wedding party, including the best man and the groom’s father, took the dinner cruise on San Diego Bay), the wedding comes off and dinner is followed by dancing. Many in the audience must have known. Gleefully, they filled the dance floor with line dances and coordinated movements, a revelation to this onlooker. What a great time. Those nurses sure can dance! Who knew? The real revelation, however, is the talented company of singers and dancers, underpinned by indefatigable and excellent singer Lisa Laughbaum and guitarist Michael Laughbaum, who speaks little but plays big, thanks to electronic miracles. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres, a three-course dinner, a champagne (or sparkling cider) toast, wedding cake and coffee service. The basic price is $55, with discounts for children 5-12 and hotel guests. The next “Once Upon a Wedding” takes place aboard the comfortable sternwheeler March 8. In the summer, weekly “Wedding” cruises commence. For information and tickets, phone (858) 539-8771, or visit www.onceuponaweddingthemusical.com.
