Say ‘I do’ to the Alhambra’s production of ‘The Wedding Singer’
REVIEW
By Jennifer Logue
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to praise a stage musical that is actually better than the film on which it is based.
The Alhambra Theatre & Dining’s production of “The Wedding Singer” marries the amusing moments from the 1998 Adam Sandler movie with catchy original songs, top-notch choreography and a libretto that is funnier than the film’s script. The fact that the movie’s plot so easily lends itself to a stage production is merely icing on the three-tiered wedding cake.
Set in 1985, “The Wedding Singer” tells the story of Robbie Hart (Jake Pearce), an ’80s wannabe heavy metal rocker who has settled for being the frontman of New Jersey’s most popular wedding band (“It’s Your Wedding Day Today”). When his fiancée leaves him at the altar, though, Robbie becomes New Jersey’s most cynical and clinically depressed wedding singer (“Casualty of Love”). Not a winning combination.
Meanwhile, wedding venue waitress Julia (Brooklyn Klekamp) is having her own wedding woes: After fearing that her wealthy Wall Street boyfriend Glen will never pop the question (“Someday”), she finds herself growing more attracted to the sweet, sincere Robbie (“Not That Kind of Thing”). Should she make the “smart move” and marry Glen and his money or take a chance on the down and out Robbie?
Much of the fun in “The Wedding Singer” comes from its affectionate send-up of the traditional wedding – and what was more over the top than a 1980s wedding? From the big dresses and even bigger hair to the drunk best man and the perpetually annoyed father of the bride, “The Wedding Singer” has it all. And The Alhambra’s cast excels at bringing these beloved characters to life. As Robbie, Jake Pearce brings just the right combination of talent and vulnerability: You believe that he feels inadequate to the shallow, materialistic Glen (Keegan Smith), even though he shouldn’t. Smith excels as the unctuous Glen, who prides himself on his nonexistent financial prowess (“All About the Green”) while flaunting his infidelity.
As Julia, Brooklyn Klekamp is a model ingenue whose lovely soprano voice conveys just the right wistful innocence. Other cast standouts include Cathy Merkel-Roddy in the hilarious role of Robbie’s grandmother, Rose; and Paul Gary as Robbie’s best friend and fellow band member, Sammy. It’s hard to single out any one performer in this production, however, as the entire cast makes the most of the laugh-out-loud material.
The show concludes in the same way that many real-life weddings do – with everyone on the dance floor, celebrating true love. Say “I do” to The Alhambra’s production of “The Wedding Singer” – this one’s a keeper.
(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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