Heartfelt and humorous, here comes the original “Father Of The Bride” to Drury Lane Theatre

Photos provided by Justin Barbin

Few comedies are as relatable and ageless as “Father Of The Bride,” which was introduced by Edward Streeter’s novel in 1949, made its way to the silver screen the following year featuring Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor, then famously rebooted in 1991 starring Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and Martin Short.

Now thanks to Drury Lane Theatre’s stage adaptation of the good old-fashioned original version by Caroline Francke and director Michael Heitzman, running through Sunday, May 31, yet another generation has a chance to encounter the follies and frustrations of Stanley Banks (Joe Dempsey) having to give away his sole daughter Kay (Aurora Penepacker) at the altar.

The premise may appear typical enough at face value, but as anyone who’s ever planned a wedding can attest to, expectations usually expand, the guest list grows, costs increase and everything eventually spirals out of control.

Thankfully, there’s Stanley’s somewhat level-headed wife Ellie (Rachel Sullivan), alongside their carefree younger sons Ben (Kyle Ringley) and Tommy (Charlie Long) to help keep the household in check, plus it’s easy to root for fiancé Buckley Dunstan (Jake DiMaggio Lopez) after coming across like a genuinely great guy.

Gifts arrive by the dozen, leading to warm and fuzzy feelings at first, until everyone fights about who gets invited to the reception or only the church, in addition to the extravagant suggestions of comical caterer Mr. Massoula (Ed Kross) practically pushing Stanley over the edge.

Ironically, right when the doubtful dad finally agrees to go with the flow, the future couple hit an unforeseen bump in the road, resulting in an intense argument, a temporarily missing person and the threat of the entire overblown affair being canceled.

Despite reuniting and quickly smoothing out such silly misunderstandings, the near heart attacks continue through seconds before the ceremony is due to start, given a shifting schedule, clashing vendors, unpredictable variables, general forgetfulness and fluttering nerves.

Nonetheless, they miraculously make it to the church on time and Stanley lovingly learns to let go of Kay, giving “Father Of The Bride” a touching sendoff that’s just as heartfelt and humorous of an occasion for their families as the guests of the similarly glamorous Drury Lane.

“Father Of The Bride” continues at the Drury Lane Theatre through Sunday, May 31. For additional details, visit DruryLaneTheatre.com.