Download the new logos for the programme and poster competition

The Wedding Singer

Author: Julie Petrucci

Information

Date
29th May 2015
Society
Campaign Amateur Theatre
Venue
Ely College, Needham Hall, Ely
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Amy Burrows
Musical Director
Maria McElroy
Choreographer
Steph Hogger

CAT Theatre Company’s production of ‘The Wedding Singer’ - a show that I had not seen before either on stage or as the film on which the show was based, was an excellent choice for CAT.  It has the requirement for dynamic young (and not so young) people filled with energy and action, capable of creating the style of music from the 1980s, putting over the numbers and living it up to the full. 

The Staging and the casting for this show is not for the faint hearted and needs experience at the helm.  Making her musical directorial debut however, the imaginative and dynamic Amy Burrows drew together the experienced Maria McElroy as Musical Director and Steph Hogger as Choreographer thus creating an enthusiastic team to re-create her vision.

The set consisted of a back wall of black and white photographs of many Eighties icons which worked well.  The large items of set and props were well thought out and scene changers were handled swiftly and efficiently by the hardworking stage crew.  I felt lighting had one of two problems at the Friday performance particularly in the second half and, unfortunately, the volume of the radio mikes was not high enough (even from my seat a few feet away), for us to hear the lyrics of the excellent but unfamiliar songs.  This was no fault of the band as Musical Director/Keyboard Maria McElroy and her group of eight musicians played the 80s music as it should be heard and at just the right level.

I couldn’t fault the casting of any of the lead or supporting roles. Sam Waters (Robbie Hart) was made for the part.  Great vocals, acting ability, sense of timing and stage presence along with his partnership with Julia (India Barton) who again fitted the bill perfectly, for all the same reasons… together, achieved outstanding performances.  As Holly, Nadia Saif gave everything in song and dance and support/organiser for the situations throughout, another vivacious performance.  All three were definitely performances to appreciate.

Supporting roles were all well portrayed.  I particularly loved the timing and comedy touches of Claire Mead, who made an hilarious trendy-batty-go-get-’em Grandma Rosie.   Shelley Martin as Linda, I thought, made the very most of her role. “Let Me Come Home” was excellent and Adam Hebbard was very good as the unlikeable Glen. Rob Barton as Sammy threw himself into the role with style and abandon but I wasn’t quite as convinced by the OTT performance of George (Caroline Turnbull) as I was perhaps meant to be.  Even the six Celebrity-Impersonators were so well matched that Tina Turner and Michael Jackson were actually in the building I am sure!

Vocally the cast were first-rate and each gave it their all and Choreographer Steph Hogger extracted far more from said cast than I am sure they ever anticipated having reserves for in some very energetic routines.

This particular show has to hit the ground running and maintain a high energy level throughout. CAT certainly achieved this.   With the imaginative concept from the creative team, the show was presented with infectious enthusiasm.  Congratulations to Director Amy Burrows and all concerned with The Wedding Singer.  A quality production and a great night out.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.

Other recent show reports in the East region

Funders & Partners