The Wedding Singer

The Wedding Singer
Date 21/11/2024
Performed by WODS Musical Theatre Company
Book by Chad Bhuelin and Tim Herlihy
Music by Matthew Sklar
Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Directed by Neil Stephenson and Laura Curtis
Musical Director Mim Cartwright
Choreography by Kimberley Somerton/Carrie Curtis
Noda Rep Mike Purnell
Thanks WODS for the very warm welcome on such a cold night, and thank you for
introducing me to new musical that I knew nothing about. I vaguely remember
seeing the film many moons ago, but the musical version had really passed me by.
My overall view of your choice to do this was that it was a perfect match. You had
just the right ages to actually make this musical work and bring it to life.
My one thought whilst I sat waiting for it to start was maybe some 80’s tunes
played front of house would have put everyone certainly in the party mood as there
certainly were some bangers around that era.

I liked the simple setting for the
opening, seeing the cocktail bar there certainly made me fancy a glass of fizz. The
stage was used to the max during the opening number. The energy was incredible,
the four dancers certainly shone and the lighting showed everyone off to
perfection. Just the mic balance was a bit off for me. The vocals were certainly too
quiet and yet the backing tracks didn’t quite feel loud enough! Maybe this is
something to spend more time on in future, it was a shame. This is one musical
that can really let rip, as it’s very rocky and everyone on stage were giving their all.
I hope it improved as the week went on.
There was a good flow to the show, I’m surprised that you hadn’t gone down the
road of using projections. I’m not saying this as a criticism at all, but I’d have
thought with the tight spacing at this little theatre it could have been a good choice
but I must say for a first night everyone seemed very well drilled and the set
changes were mostly very quick. Any shows these days just cannot stop or you
lose the audience attention but the pace was good. I liked the way you used the
two stage hands in black but also utilised them as part of the scene. Again this
creates good flow.
I must say what came across the footlights more than anything was the fun and
enjoyment everyone on that stage was having. You were all there to have a good
time and your enjoyment became rather infectious and spread through most of the
audience I’m sure. I didn’t know the music at all, but you couldn’t help but tap your
feet or clap along to this 80’s-esk score. The comedy came across really well
certain characters just knew exactly how to punch a line. I must give a mention
here to Rosie. This was class casting.

The venue was perfect. Anywhere bigger and I think we’d have lost the charm,
warmth and humour, but there is a lot to be said about these intimate spaces and
this was exactly right.
Well done WODS on your inclusivity, giving people a chance and seeing actors
playing their first lead roles. I can see a very exciting future for this club, keep
making good bold choices and you’ll certainly continue to entertain us.
Costumes/Make up
This all felt very good to me, strikingly garish with a sense of fun.
All worn with conviction. This must have been quite a task for the wardrobe team
so fair play you pulled a blinder.
Musical Director
Although there was no band to conduct, I do appreciate the amount of work given
to the cast. Harmonies at times were just lovely particularly in the duets. It was a
shame the balance of sound was off at times, a lot of solo lines were missed but
the company came up trumps for you. A lot of company harmonies came through
and with such enthusiasm a great overall sound was had. All the lead characters
were drilled to perfection. All solos came over extremely well.
Choreography
This must have been fun. So many films to take inspiration from of that period. I
thought overall you did a grand job. I liked the use of dancers to front some of the
numbers and I appreciated how you made everyone look good no matter what
their ability. There was a good use of the stage and you both created some rather
lovely pictures. Well done.
Directors
So I understand this was a first for both of you. I sincerely hope you were both
really proud of what you achieved. You certainly had an enthusiastic cast to work
with. Great choices on the casting. You’ll learn as you go along - get the casting
right and you’re on the home stretch. I loved the pace, the engagement with the
audience was good and mostly everyone was focused and so obviously wanted to
do a good job for you both. I think whatever stage with experience you are at with
directing you are forever learning. You try things you change them and so on. This
helps to soften any of those rough edges you’ll get along the way. For a first
attempt I can only say well done and please continue. I for one will look forward to
more of your work.

Robbie Hart
How I’ve enjoyed seeing you grow as a performer. I was so excited to see your first
major lead role and you did not disappoint. You were definitely the lynch pin in this
musical and you held it all together. I hope the voice lasted the week. That was
quite a sing with a huge range! You coped admirably on opening night. You are
such a team player. You were so generous to whoever you were on stage with. A
joy to watch and a great energy. Congratulations.

Julia Sullivan
Welcome back to the stage after your absence. This was a lovely role for you.
Once the initial nerves went away you became so much more relaxed. You showed
us what a lovely actress you can be we all felt your pain when you realised the
feelings for Glen weren’t what you thought they were, and it was so sweet how the
realisation was that Robbie was the one you wanted. I got the feeling you didn’t
always know what to do with your hands. My best advice would be props, props
and more props. Have a hand bag as you can always get something out of it, a
hanky or lippy but whilst in the bar a tea towel could have sufficed I just felt you
felt a little bit awkward at times knowing what to do. You’ve a lovely natural voice
and won us over with the songs. I hope to see you do more roles in the future.
George
You looked so comfortable up there as part of a band, your personality and
individuality came through big time so don’t ever lose that. Some nice comedy
moments and good vocals. Maybe just a bit more projection rather than rely on the
mics but you re such a joy to watch. Good team player.
Sammy
What’s this about retiring from the stage, don’t be daft you’ve got too much to
offer. Great comedy timing and again a good team player. Being part of the band
was so believable. Some nice strong vocals coming through and basically we
could all see what a great time you were having so we did too watching you. Just
one little note. Watch your line of vision, you have a tendency to look down at the
floor at times. Always include us. Thanks for the fun.
Holly
I know what a stalwart you are off stage, and now to see you in a part was just a
joy. You really did bring Holly to life, some great vocals and you looked stunning.
Saturday Night in the City you fronted perfectly a brilliant end to act one. A really
nice natural actress nothing forced so easy to watch and enjoy. Lovely.
Glen
What a decent meaty role to play as your first lead. Always good to play a baddy.
You managed this extremely well, you had that air of cockiness about you and I
thought you maintained focus and were very believable throughout. Good strong
singing voice which I feel will improve with the more confidence you get at playing
parts. I look forward to seeing what you do next.
Linda
What a terrific energy you have. You certainly brought grit and determination to
Linda. I’m really pleased you decided to come back after a four year absence you
are someone to be admired and an inspiration to others. Great singing voice too.
Really good performance.

Rosie
Well what can I say. If anyone needs a lesson in grabbing a part by the throat and
running with it then this actress is the one to see. You knew exactly how to deliver
a line and got every ounce of comedy out of Rosie. Facial expressions were just
perfect and a belter of a voice. I’m sure you even enjoyed wearing those
costumes. Thanks for bringing a lot of joy and laughter.
Angie
A very good actress. You brought everything needed to Angie. Good interaction
with the other players and a beautiful singing voice which blended perfectly.
Company /Chorus
Everyone here played their roles with great focus and attention. There was a terrific
energy on opening night. There were some terrific cameos played by Tom and
Luke. Well done.
All in all a great first night. I’m sure any little niggles were ironed out nicely by
Friday and I sincerely hope the show was a huge success for WODS.

Until the next time
Best wishes
Mike x

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