It’s 1985 all over again.
“The Wedding Singer,” a musical based on the 1998 romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, opens The University Theatre and Dance Department’s first Mainstage show of the season tonight at 7:30 p.m.
It’s a similar narrative, but with some tweaks. The musical follows a wedding singer, Robbie Hart, as he struggles to find his own tune after his fiancée leaves him at the altar.
Julia Sullivan, a waitress at most of his gigs, lends a helping hand. Along the way, the two find something that they didn’t quite expect, love. There’s just one thing holding them back. Julia is engaged to a money-obsessed-wall-street shark, Glenn Guglia.
The 20-member cast has been in rehearsals for seven weeks.
Director Teddy Eck said he doesn’t want the hard work to go unnoticed. Because of this, he is encouraging students to come watch the show dressed up in their favorite 80’s themed costume. A party will be held after tonight’s opening performance.
“It’s a celebration and we want as many people there as possible,” Eck said.
Eck wants the audience to feel like they have traveled back to a time of red vinyl jackets and Flock of Seagulls haircuts as soon as they enter the theater. Music videos reminiscent of ‘80s MTV will be playing while attendees wait for the house to open.
“As soon as you enter, we want you to feel like you are in the world of the play,” Eck said.
Sterling Church, who plays Robbie Hart, has wanted the role long before the season was announced last semester. Church, a guitarist off stage, said he owes his ability to play to the movie. As a kid, he would pluck out the chords to Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water,” a first learn for many young musicians. However, when he saw Adam Sandler play “Grow Old With You” on screen, everything changed.
“It was that song that started me on my path to becoming serious about the guitar,” Church said.
Church looks forward to sharing the song with an audience.
Church doesn’t want to copy. He wants to simply reenact Sandler’s performance. He has found parts of his own life in the plot, choosing to use the Sandler as an inspiration.
“At the end of the day, I’m just happy to have a chance to affect people with a story that has meant so much to me over the years,” Church said.
Audrey Smith, a senior in the Musical Theatre Department, said that playing the role of Julia has given her the chance to experience a decade that was right before her time. Born in the early ‘90s, she never got to live in a world colored by neon, break dancing and Billy Idol. Smith isn’t intimidated to be stepping into the shoes of character originated by Barrymore. For her, there is nothing but excitement. But in order to personalize the role, she admitted that she has had to force herself from repeatedly watching the film.
“I wanted to make the character my own,” Smith Said.
Eck believes that The Wedding Singer is tailor made not only for musical lovers, but also for those who tend to stray away from them.
“It’s the kind of musical that anyone can enjoy,” Eck said. “The story is straight forward and the music is catchy.”
Having done five other Mainstage performances, Smith said that the romantic comedy is refreshing.
“A lot of the shows I’ve done in college have been electric and abstract,” Smith said. “But this one is fast paced and heart felt.”
“The Wedding Singer” runs Nov. 6 and 8 as well as Nov. 13 and 15. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the box office or online. U of M students can get a free ticket with a University ID. General Admission is $20, $15 for senior citizens and $10 for Alumni Association members. On Nov. 7, all faculty and staff are invited to attend the show for free.
