From uninvited exes to overbearing in-laws, for their production of Tony ’n’ Tina’s wedding, the actors of Boreas Theatre play wedding guests studded throughout Waring Hall. Together, they create the kind of chaos that feels both exaggerated and familiar. And playfully pull the audience in: you may find yourself sitting at a table with them.

Boreas Theatre is offering an immersive experience. You aren’t there to watch Tony and Tina get married; as guests at their wedding, you are expected to participate.

The production leans heavily into the slapstick chaos of a traditional reception. A drunken ex crashes the party, an expecting couple from the bridal party can’t keep their hands off each other, the groom and his groomsmen break into a choreographed “Can’t Touch This” routine, harem pants and all, and a melancholy groomswoman delivers a rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep.” At one point, a high-heeled nun is on the floor rocking out to a delightfully sacrilegious “Like a Prayer.”

Laughter filled the room throughout the evening, and the actors were energized by the willingness of guests to participate in the mayhem. I mean fun.

Even the dress code is part of the experience: plan on wedding guest attire, circa 1996.

The humour is dated — but so is the wedding. Some of the jokes capture the broad, over-the-top wedding culture of the decade, while others feel more like reminders of how much comedy has changed since the nineties.

I found the nostalgia particularly entertaining. Some of the wedding traditions that made up the evening have evolved considerably over the years, and it was fun to see those familiar wedding clichés played up for laughs. Unexpected speeches, choreographed dances, in-law drama and questionable song choices were just a few.

At roughly three hours, it’s a long night. But then again, it’s a wedding reception. Dinner — served buffet style — takes a while. There are speeches. There’s dancing. The actors are in character throughout the night and every corner of the room is filled with their antics; the audience is never starved for entertainment.

Be prepared to commit at any given moment. You may find yourself dancing whether you planned to or not.

If you’re looking for a traditional theatre experience where you can sit back and observe, this probably isn’t it. But if want to be a guest at a big fat wedding — Boreas Theatre delivers.

Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding continues at The Waring House with performances Sept. 19, 24, 25 and 26. Evening performances begin at 6:30 p.m., while some Saturday performances begin at 4:30 p.m.