WHAT: After many months of planning, Larry Hembree is staging a wedding to end all weddings that will help raise money for the Nickelodeon Theatre. The “show,” will take place at the Capitol Senior Center.

“It’s somewhat rehearsed, but you never know what happens at the real event when you put very strange performers in front of a room full of people,” says Hembree.

Since Hembree himself prefers context when viewing art that is abstract, contemporary or just plain weird, he will provide the background of the wedding party (bride, groom, moms, dads, etc.) before the actual wedding in a new short documentary he directed and stars in called “LaDonya’s Big Fat Gay Redneck Wedding.” Following the documentary, the actual wedding will take place (Hembree hopes).
Audience members are asked to dress for a very strange, low-class Southern wedding and bring potluck reception food. The event will feature some of Columbia’s most talented and interesting performers, including Chris Bickel, Gerald Floyd, Kim Harne, Ashley Hayes, Terrell Rittenhouse, Robin Gottlieb, and of course, Hembree, as LaDonya Champagne (proprietor of LaDonya’s Love Lounge and notary public.)

WHEN: Friday, February 3, at 7 p.m. Wedding guests are invited to toast the happy couple at a cash bar provided by The Whig and dance the night away with Motown DJ Jim Burns, also known as Brother. Please note: All wedding guests must be 21 or older.

WHERE: Capitol Senior Center, 1650 Park Circle (beside Maxcy Greg Park).

COST: $35, plus a cash bar. In lieu of gifts, donations from the general public may also be made to the Move the Nick capital campaign at MovetheNick.org.

Tickets are $45 and $35 for Nickelodeon Theatre members and are available for purchase at the Nick’s box office at 937 Main Street or at www.nickelodeon.org.