Vow to eat well and laugh tonight

COPPER MOUNTAIN - Weddings tend to entice guests to do the chicken dance, but when the groom gets cold feet before he says his vows and does his own chicken dance, it's not a good sign.

Unless you're at Joey and Maria's Italian wedding, that is. The part comedy, part Italian feast, part dance spectacular takes place tonight at the Copper Mountain's conference center, and you're invited.

But watch out - this isn't you're typical wedding. For one thing, the father of the bride thinks hospitality includes trying to scarf down guests' food. And who could blame him - after all, it is a Tuscan buffet.

Then there's Joey's ex-girlfriend, Viola, who sings him a special song during the reception, showing him exactly what he'll miss. And look out, because she's on a manhunt now that Joey's taken.

Maria's mother, a high-strung socialite, thinks Joey isn't good enough for her daughter, and she doesn't conceal her feelings.

But the bridal party smoothes everything over; the groomsmen and bridesmaids have a gift for encouraging guests to dance after they stuff themselves. All the cheesy dances emerge - the electric slide, the chicken dance, Conga lines and hilarious father-daughter dances.

"I was laughing so hard - just the interactions back and forth," said Patti Welch, Copper spokesperson.

It's obvious that Joey and Maria are a match made in comedic heaven because the production is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Dillstar Productions, a company in California, tours nationwide presenting the show.

"There's an infectious quality about these productions that causes the people in our cast to become family; not just during the shows, but outside they become close socially," said Maggie Cupp and her husband Ryan Sands on the Dillstar Productions website. "These infectious friendships are what keep us together. A cast will run up to 10 years and take an incredible amount of pride in their show."

The reception starts at 7:30 p.m. today with appetizers and family greetings. The ceremony starts at 8 p.m.

Joey and Maria's Italian Wedding • What: A comdedy and an Italian buffet • Who's invited: You • When: 7:30 p.m. today • Where: Copper Mountain Conference Center • Gift: $55 if you're an adult; $45 if you're between 12-18 • R.S.V.P. (970) 968-3027

The couple requires a $55 gift to take part in their antics - $45 if you're between ages 12 and 18. The evening includes dinner, dancing, music and a cash bar.

R.S.V.P. by calling (970) 968-3027.



Kimberly Nicoletti can be reached at (970) 668-3998, ext. 245, or at knicoletti@summitdaily.com.