A New Fictional Theatrical Comedy, “My Big Gay Italian Casino Adventure” to Premier at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Award-winning Actor and Writer Anthony J. Wilkinson Says the Show Will Debut in Spring, 2025
Atlantic City, NJ (July 16, 2024) –- A new fictional stage show, “My Big Gay Italian Casino Adventure,” will make its debut in a casino.

Award-winning actor and writer Anthony J. Wilkinson is creating the casino-focused theatrical experience, which is set for previews and opening in the spring of 2025 at Sound Waves theater inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.  The new show builds on a series of successful productions created by Wilkinson, beginning with the 2003 off-Broadway opening of “My Big Gay Italian Wedding.”

“Given the nature and the content of the show and my most recent experiences, I thought having the previews and the official opening in Atlantic City would be appropriate,” said Wilkinson.  I’ve had so many mentors over the years that have educated me a lot about the casino industry.”

“Like the rest of the series, this chapter will represent another milestone that is mostly fiction with hints of reality spread throughout,” said Wilkinson.  “A whole new cast of characters combined with the ones we already have will make for what is turning into a hilarious story.”

More Shows from the Theatrical Series Slated for late 2024 and 2025

Fresh off strong ticket sales for back-to-back performances of “My Big Gay Italian Funeral” at Hard Rock Atlantic City, Wilkinson has renewed his commitment for more shows in late 2024 and 2025 at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater. 

Tickets are still available for Wilkinson’s “My Big Gay Italian Midlife Crisis,” set for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 20 and 21, at 8 p.m.  Tickets can be purchased at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com, Ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.  All shows are subject to change.

Wilkinson also plans to announce December performances of “My Big Gay Italian Christmas,” the newest addition to the theatrical series.  “My Big Gay Italian Christmas” made its debut in 2017.

New Show Based on Two Decades of Series Success

In 2003, Wilkinson’s original production of “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” opened off-Broadway at the Actor’s Playhouse and later moved to Theatre Four in the spring of 2004. The restaged production debuted in 2009 at the St. George Theatre to rave reviews prompting an explosive revival on Restaurant Row with a fully out Equity cast in 2010. The run was expected to last six weeks but wound up extending 14 times in the same location.

Born and raised in New York, Wilkinson began his career as an Intern Writer at ABC Daytime’s “One Life To Live,” working his way up to the position of Associate Director for which he earned 11 nominations and three Daytime Emmy Awards and was a two-time recipient of the Directors Guild of America Award. In 2017, Wilkinson was cast in the Soap Opera “Tainted Dreams,” which earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Wilkinson is currently employed by Woodbridge Township, where he has served as the Executive and Artistic Director of the Avenel Performing Arts Center for the last seven years.

Photo Caption: Anthony J. Wilkinson / Courtesy Rick Stockwell

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

With the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has become Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination. The property features an award-winning gaming floor that offers 2,425 slots, 130 table games, and a dedicated Sportsbook. Boasting more than 15 food and beverage offerings, guests are able to enjoy fine dining at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Kuro, and Il Mulino, to casual fare at Hard Rock Cafe, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Sugar Factory and Fresh Harvest Buffet. The music-inspired resort offers guests a glimpse into the world’s most valuable and largest music memorabilia collection, along with services from Rock Spa? & Salon, which offers rhythm and music inspired treatments like the Soul Survivor Massage. With more than 150,000 square feet of meeting and event space, Hard Rock Atlantic City can fit any bill from intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences. For more information or to book your stay, please visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.

About Hard Rock?

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 309 locations that include owned, licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops?, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Its Unity by Hard Rock? global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties around the world.  HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 88,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock Hotels has been honored by J.D. Power’s North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study as the number one brand in Outstanding Guest Satisfaction for two consecutive years, and among the top Upper Upscale Hotels for four consecutive years. HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and has since been honored fourfold. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World’s Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based Operator of the Year for the second time in four years. Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.