Elvis is in the building.
Or, more accurately, at the Lone Pine Ranch Event Centre in Vernon.
The four-hour dinner performance called Tony N Tina’s Wedding is based on the 1980s play of the same name, but with a twist. The interactive show will follow the same guidelines as the original play, but has an Italian-redneck theme where guests will be a part of the performance and the show will be hosted by Elvis.
Christopher Blaine, from Penticton, will be playing the MC rock star during the events on April 13 and 15.
Years ago, Blaine signed up to compete in the Penticton Elvis Festival and has been playing the role ever since.
“When I attended it and I thought ‘oh I can get up there and give it a try’ and I got the jumpsuit and that was it,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun when you get the jumpsuit on and get into character.”
Actors in the performance are all local, coming from Vernon, Penticton, West Kelowna and Kelowna.
“All these local actors are hilarious,” said ranch facility director Dee Cristante.
“The difference between the 1980s production and our spin on it is that we’re doing kind of the same concept but Ricardo’s family’s daughter is marrying into the redneck family, which kind of puts a funnier spin on what was once an amazing play,” she said.
An actual bride and groom will be married by a commissioner who will be dressed as a second Elvis.
“It’s got a lot of twists there,” said Blaine.
Cristante came up with the idea.
“I’m Italian. I came from an Italian family. I’m a wedding planner and I’m a cowgirl so that’s how it all started. I wanted to bring it to the Okanagan and see where it’s going to go and if it’s successful we’re going to relaunch it in November with a Christmas theme,” she said.
As a wedding planner, Cristante’s job is seasonal so she wanted to be creative in her down months to offer corporations and businesses new ventures.
Tickets are $69 and can be purchased through lonepineranchbc.com. The event will involve the themed dress-up element. After ticket purchase, a message will be sent to the holder saying which side of the family they’ll dress up as.
“You’re either going to an Italian Mafia family member or you’re going to come as a redneck cowgirl or cowboy,” said Cristante.
Activities include dancing, a toast to the bride, Elvis singing songs, a ring toss and more.