The Wedding Singer

This is a fun 80’s show with some great musical numbers and it was obvious that this cast was certainly enjoying being part of this production. The opening ‘It’s Your Wedding Day’ was lively and created the perfect atmosphere where wedding guests were in fine voice and ready for a ‘knees up.’

The plot of this musical is basically one of relationships going wrong but all finding true love in the end. Robbie the wedding singer and his best mates, in his band, Sammy and George, had a natural camaraderie and were a most believable trio. Life is by no means straightforward for Robbie whose own love life is far from easy. Euan Dixon gave an excellent performance in this role. A good all rounder, he sang confidently and conveyed the turmoil and his heartache when he is jilted at the alter by girlfriend Linda before acknowledging his feelings for the sweet natured, innocent waitress Julia. Eva Hills was a most impressive Julia totally relaxed in the part and with a fine, strong singing voice. These two main characters had a natural chemistry and were totally at ease together. With great singing voices which blended well ‘If I Told You’ was beautifully sung as was Julia’s ‘Come Out of the Dumpster’.

In contrast to the sweet, gentle Julia, Kerry Sim was a brash rock star finacee Linda. A real powerhouse and sexy seductress ‘Let Me Come Home’ certainly conveyed what she wanted from Robbie. Julia is supposed to be marrying Glen, a Wall Street banker and Chris Miller came across very well indeed as the rough, cheating, lady’s man - aggressive and self indulgent. A convincing baddy who I’m sure Julia was well rid of .

Julia shares her troubles with her best friend and confidante Holly. Rachael Allison was strong and supportive in this role. A great mover with a powerful singing voice ‘Right In Front Of Your Eyes ‘ was another of the shows highlights. Holly’s relationship with boyfriend Sammy is also problematic and Balfour Laird portrayed the annoying persistent suitor with humour. I did like Holly and Sammy’s T shirts! The mother of the bride, Angie, was played with great warmth by Nikki Taylor.

There is much fun and comedy in this show but one of the funniest characters is Grandma Rosie. Audrey Dixon was hysterical with her innuendos in offering advice to Robbie for his wedding night and in discussing her own love life. ‘Move That Thing’ as she shows off her fitness and agility while rapping with George, delghtfully played by Kian Tait, was a most amusing scene.

This strong line up of principal characters was well supported by an enthusiastic ensemble who sang and moved very well. ‘All About The Green’ with its neat choreography and glittering green pom poms and the rousing ‘Pop’ and ‘Saturday Night In The City’ really demonstrated the vocal strength of the company and how much fun this cast was having. A shout out to the male company too with their flamboyant ‘Single’.

The cast also did very well unobtrusively moving items of furniture on and off this comparitively small stage. The small band were in great form never overpowering the singers. Colourful costumes which were pertinent to the period and some amazing wigs, especially those impersonating celebrity look a likes, all added to the fun and glamour.

This was altogether a most enjoyable production with a strong cast who had been well directed and choreographed having as much fun on stage as we the audience were having. Another triumph for M.A.M.A.

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