The Wedding Singer

I do admit to having heard of this show but, alas, that’s all I know about it! So, I was going to see a new show as far as I was concerned. Set in the Swinging Eighties (not a favourite musical era for me!) but, hey, I bopped (I think that is the word!) along as the show unfolded! The story tells of a wedding singer who falls in love with a waitress and the many “difficulties” that befall this twosome before they are finally united. Recipe for this show is…Ingredients, take a certain number of couples, stir, mix well; result, happy ending - all with different partners!

The two main leads were ideally cast and both exuded total confidence in both their acting and singing abilities. Connor Wilson made an impressive Robbie (he of the show’s title) and, boy, did he pitch himself into his role with flair and energetic energy! Rachel Hogg was his waitress girlfriend Julia, shy, naïve, but desperately wanting to get married! Again, this was a performance with a natural understanding of the role. (And their first kiss…what a bobby dazzler!) Now, maid Julia was supposedly engaged to Glen, (still following me?), but Craig Rose (pardon the pun) rose up to the occasion and showed his mean, nasty side and that his true love was Wall Street money, which he proved when he burst out in his “All About The Green” song number! Because he cheated his lover with hundreds of women, he got his come-uppance in the end! (Serves him right!) And, as for Rachel Weir, for the sake of her art (!) she turned herself into a very raunchy, sexy lady indeed as she attempts to renew her romance with the Singer she ditched at the altar! In another love story theme, band member, Sammy (Paul J. Creegan), and the Maid’s cousin, and best friend, Holly, (Terri Milne) turned in assured performances after their romance, too, had a rocky time! There are many amusing moments in this show – and this one was a cracker - MD Billy Muir appeared on stage (yes, he did both!) as one of the Singer’s band members – the androgynous, George, in an amazing Boy George take-off, complete with dreadlocks, in manner and appearance! And who could forget the inimitable Jude Vandecasteele as the no-nonsense Grandma Rosie – grasping this role with both her hands in an over-the-top performance which delighted everyone! Her “Grandma’s Note” song number “shocked” everyone into total laughter!

This show is nothing without the ensemble and the company brilliantly did all that was required of them, I admired their many character changes, well-choreographed numbers including stage scene changes and impressive vocals which made for a very slick running show. Finally, the proof is in the pudding, and the Maid and the Singer finally got their wedding – and I was delighted to get an invitation to witness the entire ceremony!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.