ENCORE: Last Chance This Weekend to Catch Ankeny Community Theatre's 'Father of the Bride'

Editor's Note: We first published this story two weeks ago, so just in case you missed it, we brought it back today to give you one last chance to catch what's playing this weekend at the Ankeny Community Theatre.

Ready for some classic comedy, theater-goers?

The will conclude its production of “Father of the Bride” this weekend starting tonight at 7:30 p.m. There will be another performance Saturday night at the same time, as well as a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday.

While many individuals may be familiar with the 1991 movie by the same name starring Steve Martin, this production is based on the 1950s version starring Spencer Tracey and Elizabeth Taylor, said director Lynn Arterburn.

“The cast has really had fun with this and I think the audience will, too,” Arterburn said. “There’s some seriousness in it and a little drama, but mostly, it is a comedy.”

The play centers on the Banks family, headed by father Stanley. Not far into the production, Stanley learns his only daughter is getting married. Although she promises her father it will be a simple affair, the wedding plans – not to mention its price tag – quickly spiral out of control.

Stanley, a frugal man, is left reeling to deal with the runaway wedding, as well as cope with the fact his little girl is about to be married.

Runaway Wedding Plans Fodder for Laughs

Stanley is played by Bob Fry, a 65-year-old West Des Moines resident who is no stranger to the community theater’s stage. “Father of the Bride” is his 14^th show in Ankeny. He’s also performed at the Ingersoll Dinner Theater and the Des Moines Playhouse.

“This is my creative outlet,” Fry said. “I love doing this.”

In this production, Fry works alongside Kay Meuller, who plays Mrs. Banks. Fry said he and Meuller have a lot of experience playing husband and wife.

“We’ve been married nine times on stage,” he said with a laugh. “We definitely know how the other works, so it really helps things go smoothly.”

Fry said Stanley deals with a variety of emotions in the play, including anxiety, anger and frustration.

“He’s worried about a lot of different things,” Fry said.

Theater Troupe Offers Family Atmosphere

This is the fourth production Arterburn has directed on her own, but she’s been with ACT since its inception in 1992, she said.

Artberburn said she’s really enjoyed working with the cast of this production, which consists of a range of ages and talents. They work well together, she said.

“For someone who didn’t know any better, you’d swear they were a real family,” she said. “They do it so well. You see it and all you can think is ‘wow’.”

“Father of the Bride” is a show for all ages, Arterburn said.

Fry agreed, adding the audience should be thoroughly entertained.

“It’s a good story of family relationships,” he said. “The audience should expect a lot of laughs.”

On Stage:

"Father of the Bride" will be on stage through April 29. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults and $12 for seniors (60 and older). Children ages 5-18 are $10.

To see the full cast list, check here.