The Wedding Singer

Music by Matthew Sklar

Book Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy

Lyrics by Chad Beguelin

Directed by Michael Childs

Produced by Upright Theatre Company

The times change, but one thing doesn’t: love. Today or decades ago, affairs of the heart continue to present challenges to each person who faces them. The Upright Theater Company’s production of The Wedding Singer proves that truth once again.

The Wedding Singer, adapted from the 1998 Adam Sandler rom-com, follows Robbie Hart (played by Shawn Senter) in his turbulent journey with love as a wedding entertainer backdropped by the 1980’s: a land of neon, voluminous hair and parachute pants. Alongside his band mates, Sammy (played by Alex Trevino) and George (played by MattJohn West), Robbie runs the wedding scene spreading the joys of happy endings to all. That is, until his bride-to-be Linda (played by Leah Flores) leaves him at the altar. Heartbroken, he begins to tank his career gig by gig. In his turmoil, he begins to befriend Julia Sullivan (played by Delaney Gebhart), the new waitress at work determined to lift his spirits. As their friendship grows, feelings build, emotions jumble, and Robbie must decide if love is worth the risk.

Senter’s Robbie endears the audience from the start. His impressive voice molds effortlessly to each tune, and his kind demeanor moves us through the story. Gebhart’s Julia exudes optimism and sincerity, all in lovely voice. The chemistry Senter and Gebhart build throughout the show is natural and effective. They are particularly comedic during “So Come Out of the Dumpster,” and heartwarming during “If I Told You.”

The surrounding cast includes a wealth of talent. Robbie’s bandmates Sammy and George (played by Trevino and West, respectively) offer a host of funny quips, namely West's his hilarious rendition of “George’s Prayer.” With Robbie is his caring grandmother and housemate, Rosie (played by Barbara Catrett). Catrett delivers some of the show’s raunchiest material dressed excellently in unassuming packages. Not to forget Linda (Flores), Robbie’s flaky fiancé, whose performance harkens effectively to that of the 80’s rock divas. On Julia’s side of things is her friend and co-worker Holly (Ash Hood), mother Angie (Julianne Plantes - played with New Jersey style sweetness and doting), and distracted boyfriend Glen Guglia (Jacob Waters - played well with cool narcissism). Hood brings emotional depth to Holly with her concerns for Julia’s overly-open heart while still providing well-timed acerbic wisecracks to counter Sammy’s weak pick-up lines. Plus, she proves herself a powerhouse belter in her first-rate performance of “Right In Front Of Your Eyes.”

The ensemble also has many moments that shine. They are particularly effective during the opening number “It’s Your Wedding Day,” “Casualty of Love,” and “Single.” The choreography is fun and particularly “thrilling” at points (choreography by Whitney Morris).

Upright Theatre Company and Director Michael Childs serve up an energetic blast from the past! Audience members sit at tables (not unlike a wedding venue), and frequently performers will travel about the audience during scenes and transitions. The storytelling utilizes the space and immerses the audience. All the elements combine to deliver the 80’s era clearly. The lighting is appropriately dynamic and colorful (lighting design by Branson White, light board operation by Abigail Clark). The set is sparse but punctuated with vibrant swirls and strokes of paint (scenic design and carpentry by Conor Clark, scenic painting by Kat Dennis) and leverages a projection to ground action on stage (projection design by Natalie Burkhart). Costumes by Megan A. Liles and properties by Shaun Senter are accomplished in great style, from bold patterns and shoulder pads to giant ruffles and bulky car phones, these thoughtful details turned back time.

There is still time to see this fun-filled show! The Wedding Singer plays for one more weekend of performances, Friday, February 24 through Sunday, February 26. Get your tickets today at uprighttheatre.org

Audience Rating: PG-13, for language and sexual innuendo

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Not available

Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available

Production Sound Level: Comfortable volume level

Noises or Visuals to Prepare For: Flashing lights periodically, fog use

Check it out!

Grant Palmore