We always knew it would last. Tony n' Tina's Wedding, the longest running comedy on or Off-Broadway - and the second longest-running show in Off-Broadway history — has extended its run in Los Angeles through "the end of March, 2001," according to the box office. The production began an eight week run Dec. 8, 2000 at the Henry Fonda Theatre.

Another extension is likely, but that, too, would come as no surprise. In the various regions, Tony n' Tina have attained the same success as Off-Broadway's. The Chicago company has played for eight years, Minneapolis' for five (they are closing Jan. 27) and there are companies in Philadelphia, San Francisco and Cleveland.

In its 13th year in New York, Tony n' Tina's Wedding is the creation of the improvisational comedy troupe "Artificial Intelligence." It is the grand-daddy of all interactive theatre shows which have come and gone since Tony and Tina first exchanged vows back in February1988. Since then, there have been interactive bar mitzvahs, funerals, Irish wakes, political dramas and dinner parties. Through it all, Tony and Tina just keep getting hitched, with the help of such characters as Tony Vitale, Tina Nunzio, Father Mark, Uncle Luigi and Sister Albert, among others.

The L.A. production marks the first time that the show, which was created to play in non-traditional spaces, has been staged in an actual theatre. For the occasion, the interior of the Henry Fonda Theatre has been transformed into both a wedding chapel and a ballroom-style reception hall. To accomplish this task, a platform has been built extending over most of the orchestra-level seating areas.

The audience is first invited to take up seats in the intimate "chapel" (a space in the rear of the auditorium) where it will watch Tony and Tina become husband and wife. Then the guests will enter the newly created "ballroom” where they can kiss the bride, dance with the groom, and interact with some of the other raffish and tipsy characters at the wedding.Tony n' Tina's Wedding has played in over 100 cities worldwide, including almost every major city in the U.S. and Canada. The original L.A. production took place at the Park Plaza Hotel in October 1989 and ran for eight months. The Henry Fonda Theatre is located at 6126 Hollywood Blvd. For tickets and information call (800) 660-8462.

- By Christine Ehren
and Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent