The Wedding Singer

The Wedding Singer is a vibrant musical set in 1985, adapted from the 1998 film. It tells the story of Robbie Hart, a wedding singer whose own heartbreak leaves him bitter, unintentionally causing chaos at the weddings he performs. His path crosses with Julia, a kind-hearted waitress engaged to the self-serving Wall Street broker Glen. The musical follows Robbie’s journey to win Julia’s heart, navigating the ups and downs of love, laughter, and the unforgettable quirks of the 80’s.

On arrival, there was a buzz in the air and a genuine excitement for what was about to unfold, with the audience eagerly anticipating the show. The fabulous orchestra, led by Joseph Binmore, was in place, ready to set the tone for the evening. The stage was thoughtfully arranged, with a bedroom scene on one side adorned with vibrant 80s rock band posters, evoking the era’s unmistakable style. To the left, a green dumpster added a touch of gritty realism, hinting at the humorous and unpredictable moments to come.

Robbie was presented from the start with a natural, effortless charisma. The performance perfectly captured his sweetness, humour, and classic lead-singer confidence. A standout moment came during the bedroom scene, where Robbie’s depression was portrayed with striking honesty and intensity. The shift from his usual upbeat energy to a quietly broken version of himself was convincing, showcasing the actor’s ability to balance charm, wit, and vulnerability throughout the role.

Sammy, the bass player in the wedding band and one of Robbie’s closest friends, was an absolute joy to watch. His easy-going, all-round likable presence made Sammy effortlessly fun and engaging. Yet beneath the playful, carefree exterior, subtle hints of his love for Holly added a touching complexity, balancing the character’s playful energy with moments of real heart.

George, the keyboardist in the wedding band, lit up the spotlight with flair and panache. His flamboyant personality came through perfectly, bringing both humour and magnetism to every scene. With striking hair and makeup and infectious energy, he made each moment on stage feel vibrant and left a lasting impression.

Julia was a delight to watch, brought to life with great characterisation that perfectly captured her ‘girl next door’ charm and approachable warmth. She portrayed the conflict between Glen and Robbie with sensitivity, empathy, and subtle bravery, making her dilemma feel genuine and deeply engaging. Her expressive vocals and nuanced performance added depth to every scene, making her portrayal feel vibrant and fully alive.

Holly was captivating from start to finish, full of uninhibited energy. Her bubbly, beautiful vocals, lovely stage presence, and great American accent brought sparkle to every scene, while her playful personality and romantic longing made her both charming and engaging. Her infatuation with Sammy was portrayed with honest emotion and sweetness, making Holly utterly captivating.

Glen was brought to life as a rich, shallow Wall Street broker with effortless conviction. The performance captured his materialistic, slimy ways, making him convincingly self-absorbed yet engaging. His attempts to win Julia’s love with money radiated arrogance, and the 80’s power suits were a perfect match for his flashy, larger-than-life persona.

Rosie, Robbie’s grandmother, was fantastic to watch, hilarious from start to finish and had me in tears with laughter. She brought a perfect balance of caring guidance and adventurous spirit, lighting up each scene with infectious energy and a playful, larger-than-life presence. Her comedic timing was impeccable, and her ability to rap added unexpected spark and excitement to the performance. She had the audience laughing throughout, making Rosie a truly memorable and joyfully entertaining character.

Linda dominated the stage with confidence and attitude. Her over-the-top personality and self-serving, flirtatious ways were portrayed with style. She brought boldness, unapologetic charm, and strong vocals to the performance, making every scene vibrant and engaging. I loved the 80’s rock chick vibe she embodied, which added spark and conviction to the character.

Angie was an absolute delight, perfectly embodying the quintessential stereotypical 1980’s mum. She delivered her unsolicited advice to Julie with impeccable timing, balancing her opinionated, sometimes overbearing side with genuine care and support. The performance struck a perfect balance of laughter and feeling, making Angie both relatable and immensely enjoyable.

The ensemble was fabulous, each member an integral part of the storytelling and fully committed to their characters throughout. Their attention to detail, from the skirt tucked into the pants to the flamboyant gay waiters and the playful portrayals of figures such as ‘fake’ Mr. T, Billy Idol, Ronald Reagan, Cyndi Lauper, and Imelda Marcos, added layers of humour and vibrancy. Each performer brought dynamism and charisma to every scene, infusing even the smallest moments with life and making the ensemble scenes consistently lively, memorable, and a sparkling showcase of talent.

The lighting was outstanding and perfectly suited to the tone and energy of each scene, enhancing both the mood and the storytelling. I especially loved the lighting in the song ‘Saturday Night in the City’, where the vibrant colours and dynamic shifts captured the bustling, electric atmosphere of a city nightclub. The sound was professional, clear, and perfectly balanced, allowing every vocal and instrument to shine. Dialogue and music were crisp and precise, ensuring nothing was ever lost or overwhelming. It fully immersed the audience in the world of the show, seamlessly complementing the energy, emotion, and rhythm of each scene.

The staging and props were inventive, thoughtfully designed, and seamlessly integrated into the performance, enhancing both the storytelling and the visual impact of each scene. Every set piece and prop was chosen with care, helping to establish location, era, and mood while supporting the performers’ movements and interactions. The use of projections for constantly changing scenes and backdrops added a dynamic, cinematic quality, allowing the production to shift effortlessly between locations and further immersing the audience in the world of the show.

The costumes and makeup were spot on for the era, vibrant, bold, and full of personality, perfectly capturing the fashion and essence of the time. Every outfit, accessory, and carefully styled detail added authenticity and character, bringing the world of the show vividly to life and enhancing each performer’s presence on stage.

The choreography and direction were sharp, energetic, and perfectly in sync with the music and story, bringing every scene vividly to life. Each number showcased the performers’ skills while propelling the narrative forward, with inventive formations, expressive gestures, and flawless timing. The movement was brimming with creativity and vitality, keeping the audience hooked from start to finish and infusing the production with a thrilling, unforgettable energy.

There were so many laugh-out-loud and uplifting moments, but to name a few: Robbie’s performance of ‘Somebody Kill Me,’ exuding anger and bitterness with his incredibly realistic guitar playing; George on his keyboard singing George’s Prayer, which was brilliant and pure joy; the choreography in ‘Saturday Night in the City,’ which was energetic, eye-catching, and full of electrifying movement; and the scene with the five guys in a bar singing ‘Single,’ full of energy, camaraderie, and infectious fun. Finally, ‘Move that Thang’ was absolutely hilarious, with Rosie shaking her booty and George’s infectious energy adding to the fun. The number was full of playful choreography, cheeky humour, and undeniable stage presence, making it a standout, crowd-pleasing moment of the show.

Thank you for inviting me to such a fun-filled evening and for the warm and generous hospitality from Rose and Mike. I felt so welcomed and thoroughly entertained throughout the evening.

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