Father of the Bride

Drury Lane starts its 2026/2027 season with Father of the Bride, by Caroline Francke, a theatrical adaptation of the 1949 novel by Edward Streeter, made popular by movies starring Spencer Tracy and Steve Martin, about a frugal father considering the financial burden of his daughter's wedding. The story follows Mr. Banks, a father, who is surprised when his daughter, Kay, announces her engagement to Buckley Dunstan. The couple discusses their desire for a simple wedding, with Kay agreeing with Buckley to limit the guest list to 50 people. However, Kay, with the help of her mother, who knows what a girl wants for her wedding day, gets caught up in the traditional grandeur. With an ever-growing guest list, the cost of champagne, florists, caterers, and furniture being moved to accommodate 150 guests at their home for the reception, Mr. Banks worries about his bank account and the future of his life savings, while dealing with the emotional toll of losing a daughter.

Father of the Bride, published in 1949, with Francke's play hitting the stage in 1951, Mr. Banks would be completely overwhelmed if he adhered to the age-old tradition that dictates the bride's parents bear the financial burden of the wedding. With the average cost of a wedding at approximately $34,000, or couples planning their special day in metropolitan areas like Chicago facing even steeper expenses, soaring anywhere from $54,000 to a staggering $80,000, these rising costs can be unsettling, leaving many to wonder whether the tradition is worth the mounting financial stress. It is always interesting and entertaining to see the generational shifts regarding the burdens of planning and paying for a wedding among the sexes. The men, Mr. Banks and Buckley, are cynical, frugal, and simplistic. At the same time, Kay and her mother, Mrs. Banks, believe in spending until their hearts are content, swept up in the excitement and romance of this once-in-a-lifetime traditional event.

I was confused about whether director Michael Heitzman decided to split the baby when it came to whether the play would be comedic with the slapstick humor, like Martin's portrayal of Mr. Banks, or more dry, cynical, and level-headed, like Tracey. It never seemed to pivot in any one direction. It was funny, but not Steve Martin's high-strung, manic funny behavior. Mr. Banks had the characteristic of Spencer Tracey, but no one could ever actually reach the incredible highs of Tracey in a role. Still, it wasn't much on Tracy's sarcastic, level-headedness either. Still not pivoting either way, the play felt routine, as though it were just going through the motions, simply following a well-worn path.

Swayed by the film version of Father of the Bride, I enjoyed the play, which was filled with humor and engaging, poignant moments that tugged at the heart. All the actors delivered great performances. In a limited scene, Michele Vazquez was outstanding as Miss Bellamy, the highly organized assistant. I enjoy theatrical plays that pay homage to the original production, but this particular play felt like a relic from the past, lacking the freshness and relevance that modern audiences crave. The dialogue seemed dated, making it difficult to fully engage with the story. Nevertheless, Drury Lane audiences will enjoy this beloved, priceless story of a father's love for his daughter.

⭐⭐1/2

Drury Lane Theatre

Father of The Bride

Written by Caroline Francke

Directed by Michael Heitzman

April 8 - May 31, 2026

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