The Wedding Singer

The Wedding Singer is a stage musical based on the 1998 film of the same name. With music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and book by Beguelin & Tim Herlihy; it premiered in 2006.

The programme was excellent…very informative and packed with attractive photographs.

The Lighting plot was attractive and imaginative throughout. The set, furniture and props were well designed and constructed. The costumes were lovely: colourful, nice selection and a good period feel.

Barry Pritchard’s band produced great music…but it did dominate quite a few of the excellent songs. This seems to be a perennial problem with the Cecil Hepworth Theatre. 

James Fortune’s production had attracted many new players to Molesey Musical Theatre. Their talent and energy helped to supercharge the show.

Della Bhujoo’s choreography was a delight…making excellent use of the stage and the young dancers. The opening song, It’s Your Wedding Day, was a great routine with some hilarious dad-dancing. POP ! was another well-co-ordinated dance, whilst Saturday Night in the City and All About the Green were excellent ensemble numbers.

Michael Leopold led from the front as the wedding singer, Robbie Hart. He gave a fine, full-on performance…singing and moving very nicely. His bandsmen, George and Sammy, fully complemented his act. Sammy (Kieran Jones) was hilarious…the image of John Belushi, whereas the willowy George (Tyler Pannone) had great lines and delivered them well.

Val Carr was fantastic as Grandma Rosie. Vivacious and outrageous, she gave a lovely solo in A Note from Grandma; and then duetted with George in Move that Thang.

Vicki Taylor was such fun as the faithless Linda. She moved so sexily (especially in Let Me Come Home) and sang A Note from Linda beautifully.

Issy Skinner was so sweet as Julia…how could she ever have fallen for Glen ? She gave a gorgeous, modest performance and sang so clearly and well. Her ‘mom’, Angie (Julie Antoniou) also sang well and with clarity. Must run in the family.

Christie Wright was gorgeous and HOT as Julia’s cousin and friend, Holly. Yet another good dancer, she sang a strong Right in Front of Your Eyes.

There was great characterisation from Terry Irwin as the selfish yuppie, Glen Guglia. Knew right away he was a wrong ‘un, but he never parodied the part; and was a ball of fire in numbers like All About the Green.

Sterling support was given throughout by the MMT regulars: in the dances, ensemble and as the Las Vegas impersonators. Everyone was totally in the moment and there was masses of comedy. And the wedding of Mr and Mrs Hart was a sparkling, feel-good finale to this enjoyable show.

Congratulations to Molesey for a fine show…and especially to James for sourcing and wielding such a fine cast.

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