Joe is the leathery father and leader of the clan. Play him as self-assured and slightly paternalistic. He doesn't want to show gratitude, but he's driven by the need for others to acknowledge his generosity. Resist the temptation to caricature him as evil or nasty. The audience should be able to see themselves in him.

Barb is the dutiful wife. She's lived long enough as an Ingrate that it has become part of her, but she is not as dyed-in-the-wool about it as Joe. She's mostly the doting mother-of-the-bride.

Sarah is ready to fly the nest. She's all too aware of the ingratitude of her family, but she's now old enough to realize it's not what she wants for her life. But she doesn't want conflict, so she does what she thinks will most keep the peace.

Mark is a genuinely gracious groom-to-be. He has a youthful exuberance that expresses itself physically and vocally, and he's authentic enough to be not very good at hiding his natural thankfulness. Play him with a lot of excitement in his voice and facial expressions.

2) If wireless microphones are used, try having Mark and Sarah's initial conversation take place as they walk up the aisle from the back of the auditorium.

3) Exaggerate the silent gestures Sarah makes from behind her father. Take advantage of this opportunity for the physical humor of the inter-action. The contrast in Mark's voice should be almost polarized mid-sentence when he switches between honest excitement and feigned indifference.

4) If necessary, Barb's character can be written out of the script entirely. Just have Mark remind Sarah she was going to look over the portfolio, to facilitate her leaving the two men alone.