a full-length musical

music by Philip Seward
lyrics by Jon Steinhagen
book by Barbara Georgans

STORY: Ardi Fitikakis, head of a Greek immigrant family on the west side of Chicago in 1930, is adamant that his daughter, Edna, will marry in the traditional way -- to the man he selects. His brother, Vasi, arranges a marriage for his daughter, Georgia, but Ardi insists he will find a better groom (gombro) for his daughter. This is hard to believe, because the two brother try to support their daughters and sister, Thia, on bootlegged retsina which they make in their basement. Unfortunately, nobody likes retsina, so the brothers are constantly scrambling for money. As Vasi proceeds to arrange a good marriage for his daughter, Ardi seeks out a young doctor for Edna and gives him the family's entire savings as a dowry. Meanwhile, Edna, the only gainfully employed member of the family is falling in love with her boss, Chester, who is owner of his own chocolate factory. At the same time, the Greek mafia, is preparing to turn Ardi in to the Feds. As the walls begin to close in on him, Ardi is determined to develop a plan to make everything right with his family and to get out of retsina. At a modest engagement party for Georgia and her intended, Gus, Ardi invites the neighborhood to the Paradise Ballroom for a lavish engagement party for Edna. At the Edna's party Ardi's well-made plans unravel one by one as he learns the true meaning of family.