‘Where Is Your Groom’ Comes to Philadelphia

Comedic Armenian Play, “Where Is Your Groom? (Pesad Oor Eh)” to Perform for Philadelphia Armenian Community Jan. 31

The culturally relevant play, “Where Is Your Groom? (Pesad Oor Eh)” will be staged in Philadelphia in an event hosted by the St. Gregory Armenian Church on Saturday evening, Jan. 31, at Delaware County Community College in Media, Pa.

“Where Is Your Groom? (Pesad Oor Eh)” will be staged in Philadelphia on Jan. 31 — ‘Where Is Your Groom? (Pesad Oor Eh)’ will be staged in Philadelphia on Jan. 31

The mainly English-language play, which tackles the themes of assimilation and cultural preservation as it follows an American-Armenian family’s efforts to find their daughter, Lara, a suitable Armenian partner, has been hailed as fresh and funny by enthusiastic audiences across the country.

“On behalf of our board we are very excited to be hosting the cast and crew of “Where is Your Groom?” here in Philadelphia for a family friendly cultural event for our community,” said Lucinda Stamboulian.

The performance promises to deliver an entertaining show featuring the familiar faces that comprise an Armenian family – from the patriotic family patriarch to the “choreg” baking mother to the wise grandmother – each of whom believe the suitor they’ve picked for Lara is the right one, resulting in many laughs and entertaining twists and turns along the way.

“It is an honor to perform in the city of brotherly love to a tight knit Armenian community that prides itself in preserving its heritage and culture,” said writer and director Taleen Babayan. “We thank the St. Gregory Armenian Church for inviting our group to perform and we look forward to staging an enjoyable and unforgettable production for everyone in attendance.”

The 18-person cast and crew features young professionals from the New York/New Jersey Armenian community who have enjoyed participating in their culture in a unique way, presenting elements of their heritage on stage while forging new friendships behind the scenes.

“The connections made with the cast and crew as well as the positive reaction we’ve gotten from the Armenian community has been truly rewarding,” said Daniella Baydar, who plays Siroun, the matriarch of the family who will stop at nothing to have her children marry a fellow Armenian, even if it means calling a truce with her choreg-baking rival, Maro. “Thinking back to the beginning of this journey over a year ago, I never imagined where we’d be today.”

This performance will mark its sixth for the group, following its New York City debut at The Players Theatre in October 2013. The group has since staged its production on both the East and West coasts.

“After performing around the country, including our recent trip to Los Angeles, it will be nice to put on a show for our neighboring Philadelphia Armenian community, where we have friends and family,” said Andrew Saganda, who plays the role of Levon, a lawyer who is set up to meet Lara.

“This play not only appeals to our Armenian culture but many ethnic families assimilating here in the United States,” said Stamoublian. “We hope many will come and enjoy a night out with family and friends.”

The Philadelphia performance of “Where Is Your Groom? (Pesad Oor Eh)” will take place on Sat., Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. at Delaware County Community College, located at 901 Media Line Road, Media, PA 19063. Snow date is Feb. 21, 2015. Tickets are limited and advanced purchase is required. For tickets please contact Rita Selverian at 917-601-9721 or rita@selverian.com. For more information about the play and its cast, photos and special previews, please visit www.whereisyourgroom.com and www.facebook/whereisyourgroom.