Following a successful Off-Broadway debut in New York City’s The Players Theatre this fall, the cast and crew of the Armenian-themed comedic play, “Where Is Your Groom?” (“Pesad Oor Eh?”) are gearing up for a performance in Oradell, N.J., on Sun., Dec. 15, which will feature a musical set by international singer Robert Chilingirian.
The play, written by Taleen Babayan, is a humorous take on a question that continuously floats around Armenian homes as it follows the story of an Armenian-American family’s search to find their daughter a suitable husband.
The cast and crew are a group of spirited young Armenian-American professionals who have a desire to translate the cultural elements of being Diasporan Armenians on stage, and in an entertaining manner.
“It’s been a wonderful experience working with young Armenians, reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones,” said Daniella Baydar, who studied education and is a private tutor for students. “This play has struck a cord with audiences who can relate to one character or another as well as the overall theme of the play.”
Through comedy, the play sheds light on important issues facing the young generation of Armenians outside the homeland, and tackles the themes of assimilation, cultural identity, and generational divides.
“This play does a remarkable job illustrating the generation gap that is intensified by the diaspora,” said Kyle Dinkjian, an IT consultant at Pershing Square Capital Management. “We as young people want to fit in into the country we now call home, but at the end of the day, still know we can’t let our ancestors’ sacrifices be in vain.”
The cast and crew of 20 Armenians from the local community have spent countless hours rehearsing together over the past few months, which has contributed to the strong group bond and dynamic.
“I’ve done quite a lot of group-related projects in my life and I’ve never seen such a vibrant and passionate group, where each and every member has color,” said Raffi Keshishian, a performer who studied at the New York Film Academy. “The fact that young Armenians have gotten together independently really is beauty in disguise.”
“I feel fortunate to be part of a creation of art and culture,” said Yervant Babayan, a New York attorney and professor. “There aren’t many works that blend comedy and drama so successfully, especially from a young writer’s perspective in the Armenian community. Taleen has done a masterful job in creating a lasting satirical work, one that emphasizes various idiosyncrasies in the Armenian community, all while making the audience laugh at things in their own lives, past or present.”
To purchase tickets or to learn more about “Where Is Your Groom?” visit www.whereisyourgroom.com.