WASHINGTON — For many Armenian parents, it’s a dream come true when their child finds an Armenian spouse. But as soon as the wedding planning commences, that’s when the problems — and the comedy — begin.
The sequel to the original hit play, “Where Is Your Groom? (Pesad Oor Eh)” Part II will perform for the Washington, DC Armenian community on Saturday, March 10, in an event hosted by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan to benefit schoolteachers in Yerevan, Armenia.
The story picks up as the parents of newly engaged couple Lara and Ari come together to celebrate the anticipated union. But before the soorj is even served, the initial pleasantries quickly diminish as debates launch over what church the service will take place, who will be the best man and if Adiss or Manuel will sing at the reception. To make matters even more frustrating for Lara, her fiancé goes missing, past suitors show up and a matchmaker is hired to help her brother find a wife.
The Knights and Daughters of Vartan believe the modern, humorous story will resonate with audiences through laughter, while also giving them a chance to examine the more serious issues of cultural preservation in the Diaspora.
“I feel it’s important to organize events which enrich our cultural heritage,” said Araxie Vann, matron of the Daughters of Vartan. “Bringing this theater group to the Washington, DC Armenian community will help young diasporans relate the subject matter to their own lives, while at the same time looking at the situation from the outside and finding humor in it,” said Vann.
The play has struck a chord not only with audiences during its run, most recently at New York City’s Miller Theatre and the Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown, but also for the 20-person cast and crew. Hailing from all backgrounds in the New York metro area, the young professionals in the production have also deeply connected with the play and its characters.
