Scripps Ranch Theatre presents a haunting and well-staged performance of ‘Wedding’.

In her program notes for the Scripps Ranch Theatre production of “Mary’s Wedding,” director Kate Rose Reynolds reflects on a ten-year journey with the play. The anticipation now shifts to the audience of San Diego, invited to engage with this poignant World War I romance.

Running for a concise 90 minutes, the play is set against a minimalist barnyard-like backdrop, emphasizing the potency of Stephen Massicotte’s script, the performances of its actors, and the audience’s imagination. Under Reynolds’ dynamic direction, coupled with standout performances and adept sound and lighting design, “Mary’s Wedding” encapsulates the essence of effective theatrical storytelling.

The narrative unfolds as Mary experiences a dream on the eve of her wedding, weaving together memories and imagined moments, transcending chronological constraints. Opening in 1914 and concluding in 1920, the play explores themes of love, loss, and longing amidst the backdrop of war.

Massicotte’s work, first premiered in 2002, draws inspiration from Canadian Lieutenant Gordon “Flowers” Flowerdew and the valiant efforts of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade during the 1918 Battle of Moreuil Wood in France. This battle saw Company C charge through formidable German defenses, resulting in both significant casualties and a pivotal advance.

The characters in “Mary’s Wedding” include a fictionalized version of Flowerdew, alongside Charlie, a gentle Canadian farmer who enlists despite his fears, and Mary, an English woman in Canada with hopes to marry Charlie when he returns from service. This intricate dynamic propels the emotional core of the story.

Liliana Talwatte shines in her dual roles, deftly portraying the charming yet restrained Mary and the commanding Flowers. Dennis O’Connor makes a compelling theatrical debut as Charlie, bringing an authentic warmth and focus that complements his character’s gentle nature. O’Connor’s previous military experience in the U.S. Navy adds an extra layer of depth to his portrayal.

The war sequences are communicated through letters Charlie writes, which Mary imagines, making their emotional weight palpable thanks to O’Connor’s movement and the impactful designs of sound, lighting by Sammy Webster, and original compositions by Marc Akiyama. The set was designed by Dixon Fish, with costumes by Dawn Fuller-Korinek.

Historically, the significance of the Canadian involvement in World War I is often overlooked. More than 650,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders served, resulting in over 66,000 fatalities and more than 172,000 wounded. The casualty rate endured by Flowerdew’s Company C at Moreuil Wood was a striking 70%.

“Mary’s Wedding” is undoubtedly an emotional journey, skillfully combining heartbreak and imagination. This San Diego premiere at the Scripps Ranch Theatre showcases exceptional direction, casting, and design in bringing Massicotte’s poignant narrative to life.

For those interested, “Mary’s Wedding” runs on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through April 27. The performances take place at the Scripps Ranch Theatre at Legler Bengough Theatre, Alliant International University, located at 9783 Avenue of Nations, San Diego. Tickets are priced between and , and further information is available by calling 858-395-0573 or visiting the theatre’s website at scrippsranchtheatre.org.