Theater Review
Show Title = The Wedding Singer
Genre = Musical
Theater/City = Stage 1 / Newark
Production Dates = July 15 – 30
Prices = $10 - $20
Rating = 3 ½ Golden Bridges
Reviewed By = Mauricio Segura
Comments
Bringing back the Reagan-esque era of ozone depleting hair products, leg warmers, rock ballads, and new coke, Stage 1 Theater is currently producing The Wedding Singer.
Adapted for the stage from the movie of the same name starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, the story is set in the year 1985 and follows the life of Robbie Hart. Robbie, a wedding singer in a New Jersey reception hall, is himself left at the alter on his wedding day. Dealing with heartbreak, he agrees to help co-worker Julia on her upcoming wedding with a typical 80's rich jerk, Glen. In the process, they fall for each other, but neither reveals it. By the time Robbie's friends help him get his head straight, Julia and Glen fly to Las Vegas to marry, and Robbie's only option is to fly after them or lose the girl he loves.
The first thing you have to take into consideration is whether what you'll be seeing is just a remake of the movie, or something fresh enough to enjoy on its own merit. Because let's face it, why go out and spend $20, when you can just pop the dvd into the player and watch the original movie, right? Well, gladly I can say that this theater experience is worth leaving the dvd on the shelf for now. Director John Maio put together an entertaining show, and even knowing the storyline, there are still quite a few surprises.
The main ingredient that keeps this production entirely fresh is the talent itself. The entire main cast is superb, but there are a few standouts. Beginning with the lead, Robert Lopez as Robbie, is just fun to watch. Slightly reminiscent of the late Jeff Conaway's Kenickie, Lopez' superb voice and acting style grabs the audiences attention.
Sherae Honeycut (Julia), has great chemistry with Lopez, which makes their performance even more believable. A beautiful smile and even more beautiful voice, Honeycutt brings the “girl next door” aspect to the character, making her performance a delight to see.
Robbie's best friend Sammy, played by Greg Zema, was hilarious. With his 80's classic look and demeanor, you might wonder if the guy actually just transported himself through time for the show!
But of all the actors, the one who grabbed the spotlight each time she walked on stage was Belinda Maloney. Playing Grandma Rosie, Belinda was by far the highlight of the show. With each appearance, you just new you would be clutching you're stomach in laughter.
The only drawback, and major distraction of the production were the extended dancing scenes. Some of the dancers just seemed unrehearsed, looking around at their fellow actors for cues, clearly completely lost. It was even worse when they had to sing, as multi-tasking (singing and dancing) left a few of them either just mouthing the wrong lyrics or dancing like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz.
Overall however, the show was a delight to watch and well worth the price of tickets for an evening of live theater. It will only be playing till the end of the month, so make plans soon.
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