The Wedding Singer

At Last!  GDS have succeeded in getting the sound spot on!!! Stage mics and orchestra mixed well, a superb orchestra lead by the talented Mr Owen McColgan made for perfect all round sound, congratulations to all that made this possible.

Rachel Ann-Crane Herbert’s slick direction and her brilliant choice of cast, along with Bethany Kember and Emma Constantine’s Choreography made this "Wedding Singer” a joy to watch, fast, and furious at times, bringing a great evening's entertainment to your small audience. Certainly needed more bums on seats.

The plot itself is far from sophisticated – the year is 1985, and the soon-to-be-married Robbie Heart (James Alexander Stacey) is the wedding singer who comes to grips with heartache, unexpected love and of course, capitalism’s appeal to the struggling artist. After agreeing to perform for new friend Julia’s (Rachael Heard ) wedding to Wall Street fixer Glen (Aidan Harwood), Robbie finds himself smitten with the wrong bride.

There’s no doubting James is very good as Robbie and, along with Rachel, the two make a good pairing and very strong vocal leads, and both had great acting skills. Rachel’s voice would make any man fall in love with her. In fact there were some great performances from the likes of Adam Waters, camping it up big-style as Boy George look-alike, but more beads bangles and bows needed to make us think he was imitating Boy George.  Tonia Plowman as the outrageous grandma, what a performer.  It’s a shame her role wasn’t larger. Superb!! Carly Caller as Holly is an absolute delight, playing her role with a personality. Sammy (Joe Warilow) gave us great comedy - how this young man has grown into a great performer. Of course we can’t forget the entire ensemble that had so many parts and costume changes, I lost count.  Reah Baker and Jeni Boyns with their great voices and acting ability, the crazy Scott Highway, Laura Stoneman Nick Smith, Marianna Allen’s great facial nuances, Lee Round, looks young in a GREY wig, Harry Wildash, Shona Draper, Jay Kitto, Emilio Chavez, Neita Kieran Booth, Judy Bull, Charlotte Galea and Amber Jennings. Oh I nearly forgot the seniors….Larry and Jeanette Davis.

Costumes (Jo Kember and Julie Smith) were period to a point, not an easy period although recent. I thought the red, yellow, green and blue weddings could have been more prominent. Set (or lack of) - I was disappointed so much black. All in all a good evening -  such a pity your audiences weren’t bigger.. Good luck with Priscilla next year.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.