Rust Belt Theater’s Joki pens musical to mark decision on gay marriage

September 20, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

By Lorraine Wardle

Youngstown

On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court voted to legalize gay marriage. Millions of Americans, as well as billions around the world, rejoiced. The members of the RustBelt Theater Company are celebrating the best way they know how – with a new musical by Robert Dennick Joki.

“My Big Fat Gay Wedding” is a romantic comedy about a middle-aged gay couple who have been together for 20 years. When gay marriage becomes legal, they decide to make it official. The show follows the couple as they navigate the ups and downs of planning a wedding.

Many of the original songs, by Joki and his song-writing partner Josh Taylor, are upbeat and funny. “Weddings for Straight People” and “Straight to the Altar” are full of Joki’s signature wit. “Super Gay Day” is fun and funny, but also reminds us that though legalizing gay marriage was a huge step for America, we still have a long way to go before people truly are treated equally. The show’s two best songs, “Darling Will You Marry Me?” and “Down the Aisle” are sincere, lovely numbers.

Joki’s script tackles contemporary issues such as homosexuality and transexulity. The topical humor includes a hypocritical baker who doesn’t want to make a cake for a gay wedding. And yes, a certain marriage license clerk makes an appearance.

Joki plays Steve, a wedding planner who wishes he could plan his own wedding, not just straight people’s. David Cirelli is Adam, Steve’s boyfriend of 20 years. The two have great chemistry and are adorable together. Both are natural actors, whose interactions and banter are completely realistic. Both men have beautiful singing voices, and they harmonize perfectly.

Luke Hnida is excellent as Steve’s young assistant, Lucas. Hnida’s Lucas is cute, sweet and sincere with awesome reactions and facial expressions. Marisa Zamary stirs things up as the voluptuous Roxanne.

Nicole Zayas plays Patti, the very friendly baker who refuses to make a gay wedding cake. Fortunately, she gets a visit from Jesus, played awesomely by Kage Coven, who changes her mind.

Lynn Sabeh is very funny as a French waitress, and Rachel Clifford impresses as artist Illuminaughty. All of the actors, including America McNeil, Celena Coven and John Hnida also fill roles within the ensemble that populate the show with a vast array of characters.

“My Big Fat Gay Wedding” is a sweet and funny love story. As Joki’s cast reminds us in the finale, “Love is love is love.”

“My Big Fat Gay Wedding” continues at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Oct. 3 at The Rust Belt Theater, located in the Calvin Center at 755 Mahoning Ave., just outside downtown Youngstown.

For reservations, call or text 330-507-2358.