Play Preview: ‘Father of the Bride’

Cedarville University’s theatre department presents “Father of the Bride,” a lighthearted romantic comedy, which will make its debut 8 p.m. Oct. 1 in the DeVries Theatre. 

Though the play is set in the 1950s, director Rebecca Baker describes it as a very open and contemporary play. You may recognize the title from the classic movie.

“The play is not really the Steve Martin movie, but it’s the story that inspired it,” Baker said.

When Kay Banks, played by junior Emma Kowatch, announces she is getting married, the Banks’ home is thrown into chaos. Her father, Stanley Banks, played by junior Caleb Curby, is particularly having trouble accepting the fact that his daughter is getting married. He still thinks of her as a little girl. On top of hearing the news that his daughter is getting married, Mr. Banks and his family must now plan a wedding.

Emma Kowatch and Caleb Curby play the lead roles in Cedarville’s fall production, “Father of the Bride,” which runs Oct. 1 to Oct. 11. (photo: Jennifer Gammie)

Curby said, “(It’s) getting through the moment-to-moment struggle of planning for a wedding.”

As the guest list grows exponentially and tensions rise, everyone disagrees on how the wedding should be conducted. Various events affect the course of the wedding and the chaos of planning  takes over the lives of the Banks family. The stress of planning hits Mr. Banks the hardest, and he has to take a step back.

“(Mr. Banks) comes to that realization that his girl is getting ready to leave, and he wants her last time at home to feel good,” Baker said.

It is this realization that changes the course of the play, emphasizing that family is the most important thing – a theme the cast relates to.

Baker said, “One thing that has really struck me is how much it is like real life.”

Many members of the cast are the same age as their characters, aiding their ability to relate to the play. 

The cast and crew said “Father of the Bride” has been an enjoyable production to put together.

“This is one of my favorite casts I’ve ever worked with,” Curby said. 

Though there have been challenges along the way, Baker said the cast and crew’s success is because of teamwork.

“It was a challenge, but with everybody’s help we’re making it. It’s a push, but the cast has been great to work with and they’ve brought their own energy,” Baker said. “They’re a great team.”

“Father of the Bride” will open 8 p.m. Oct. 1. Performances run Oct. 1-3 and Oct. 8-11. Purchase tickets online, at the SSC Info Desk or by calling 937-766-7787.

Michael Shawn Carbaugh II is a sophomore music composition major and arts and entertainment writer for Cedars. He enjoys all kinds of writing, whether it be with musical notes or descriptive words.