The Wedding Singer Review – A Specialist in Love

Alexander Cooper and Krystyna Rodriguez in THE WEDDING SINGER - Photo by JDC Photography
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Based on a 1998 film of the same name, THE WEDDING SINGER premiered on Broadway in 2006 and ran for 284 performances. With music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin from a book by Baguelin and Tim Herlihy, THE WEDDING SINGER was also nominated for a Tony Award for best musical in 2006. International productions followed.

The Cast of THE WEDDING SINGER – Photo by JDC Photography

Wedding singer Robbie Hart (Alexander Cooper) is all set to marry his one true love Linda (Emily Holz). Meanwhile, Julia (Krystyna Rodriguez), who met Robbie during a wedding where he sang, is getting ready to marry Wall Street boyfriend Glen (Steve Weber), who finally popped the question. When she locates Robbie and asks him to sing at her upcoming wedding, she finds him in the bluest funk ever after being left at the altar by Linda, who dumped him but apparently forget to tell him before the Big Day. When his pals in the band finally convince Robbie to sing at another wedding, a disaster ensues when he turns his personal pain from Linda’s rejection into angry lyrics which enrage the newly married couple and their guests. Then Robbie suddenly realizes that he’s really in love with the soon-to-be wed Julia. Trouble is certain to follow. Will Julia return his love? Will he ever sing at another wedding? Will the path of true love finally run smoothly? You’ll have to see the show to find out.

The Band Plays On – Photo by JDC Photography

Set in New Jersey in 1985, THE WEDDING SINGER is directed by Kristie Mattison, who doubles as costume designer. Musical director Daniel Koh and choreographer Niko Montelibano join forces to present an upbeat music score. The production team also does a competent job of rolling out the 2006 musical with gusto. Finally, the cast more than makes up for their lack of professional chops by their enthusiasm and joie de vivre. Although somewhat miscast and uneven, THE WEDDING SINGER still manages to present a light-hearted and lyrical evening which should keep your toes tapping. After all, it’s always fun to revive oldie-but-goodie song and dance.

The Ladies in the Cast of THE WEDDING SINGER – Photo by JDC Photography

THE WEDDING SINGER runs through August 3, 2019, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The Morgan Wixson Theatre is located at 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405. Tickets are $28 (students and seniors, $23). For information and reservations, call 310-838-7519 or go mw**********@gm***.com">online.

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