The Wedding Singer

The Wedding Singer

Lyrics by Chad Beguilin and Music by Matthew Sklar

Performed by Tiverton Amateur Operatic Society (TAOS)

At The New Hall, Tiverton on 9th September 2025

Directed by Pauline Farr

Chorus Master – Dan Kilshaw

Choreographer – Abbie Pearce

 

Originally a 1990’s film starring Adam Sandler this production was first performed as a musical in 2006 on Broadway. It tells the story of Robbie, a wedding singer in the band, Simply Wed, his failed romances and finding true love with the right girl.

As the front tabs opened a lovely set appeared, cleverly designed, and created by the stage crew. The stage was framed by a square of metal poles which gave immediate impact featuring a raised stage positioned rear of centre stage for the band Simply Wed to perform from. The raised terrace (stage left) had a coat stand and posters of 80’s band and was used as the entrance to Robbie’s basement bedroom in his grandma’s house. The raised terrace (stage right) had a full-length mirror and was used throughout as Julia’s home and bedroom.  Good stage props added to the enjoyment of this production such as Glen’s 3D car (GLN1) and his huge car-phone.

With belting sound and good harmonies, the ensemble sang ‘It’s your Wedding Day’ fronted by incredible vocals from the actor playing Robbie. He looked the part in his dark long curly wig and a gorgeous blue sequinned jacket and tie. This actor gave a natural and relaxed performance which was utterly believable throughout.  I loved the fact he plays his guitar himself especially in the evocative duet with Julia of ‘Awesome’ which was funny and yet emotional.  You saw their relationship grow during the duet ‘Come out of the Dumpster’ which again was performed beautifully. Julia was played by an actor who had natural stage presence and a gorgeous mezzo soprano voice which was powerful too as she expertly handled ‘Someday’.  Impressive performances from both of these leads.

The actor playing George who ‘makes quiche’ and perfectly dressed as ‘Boy George’ with a rasta style wig was wonderfully funny, especially when playing his gazoo and his interpretation of ‘George’s Prayer’ during a bar mitzvah. Along with Sammy, the bass guitarist and friend of Robbie who played this part well, trying to lift his friends’ spirits when he is dumped at the altar and annoying his on-off girlfriend Holly.  The relationship between Julia and Holly was convincing as good friends who had each other’s backs. The actor playing Holly had been cast well with a sweet voice as she performed ‘Pop’ and ‘Right in Front of Your Eyes’.

Linda, Robbie’s fiancé who dumps him and then tries to crawl back in Act 2 was created with some fizz by the actor portraying her and her rendition of ‘Let me Come Home’ was deliriously naughty and well sung. The director, herself, performed the role of Rosie, Robbie’s grandmother, delivering every line with aplomb and appeared to love every minute especially when singing ‘A note from Grandma’ and rapping in ‘Move That Thang’. Glen, the wealthy entrepreneur, cock sure and almost narcissistic toward Julia, looked fab in his white suit as if he had just stepped out of ‘Miami Vice’ and performed ‘All About the Green’ in a perfectly choreographed number with the ensemble as office workers all dressed in smart green jacket and ties.  The actor playing Angie, Julia’s mum, gave a sensitive and gentle performance.

There were some cracking cameo roles such as the drunken best man in the first wedding as ‘the better man’ and Donatella the second bride with her baby voice. The amazing grannies dancing with their Zimmer frames was a brilliant touch too and involved the society’s President, Edna Browning. I especially enjoyed, as did the audience, the drunks and bums hanging out in the bar who start dancing like a boy band. A great number and boy, could these guys sing, producing lovely harmonies. I also enjoyed the ‘Casualty of Love with the four ensemble dancers which was skilfully choreographed.

A huge well done to the production team of Pauline Farr (Director), Dan Kilshaw (Chorus Master) and Abbie Pearce (Choreographer) who cast the production well and worked to the strengths of everyone on stage. Abbie had everyone on stage moving and her choreography brought the whole company together. Dan must have really worked the chorus hard as the ensemble sounded terrific.  They were ably assisted by the lighting crew of Adam Jones, Mark Drysdale and Chris Coutts. Nice touches with projection of various backdrops on the cyclorama such as the hi-rise buildings during ‘All About the Green’ and stained-glass windows during the church scene. Use of purples and blues during Robbie’s bedroom scenes and the use of spotlights during the duet ‘If I told You’.  The sound levels were well controlled between the recorded score and personal mics of the actors and costumes were all authentically 80’s, especially the wedding dresses which cannot have been easy to source.

A lovely production with some really sparkling moments and an enjoyable piece of musical theatre which carried the audience back to the wonderful 80’s era.  Well done and again my grateful thanks to the front of house team who made myself and John feel so very welcome.

Lyn Burgoyne – South West Noda Representative for District 5 (Mid and East Devon)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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