By Musical Theatre West makes its summer debut and blasts back to the 1980s with “The Wedding Singer” at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.
The musical, based off of the film of the same name and starring Adam Sandler, chronicles Ridgefield, New Jersey’s most popular wedding singer Robbie Hart (Ciarán McCarthy) on his journey to finding true love. Left at the altar by his fiancée Linda (Kelli Provart), Robbie begins to lose faith in love until he meets Julia Sullivan (Renée Brna). Unfortunately, Julia is romantically-linked to Glen Gulia (Derek Keeling), who proves himself to be a rich, egotistical and chauvinistic man.
In its West Coast premiere, “The Wedding Singer” is shown very professionally under the direction of Paul Garman. With vibrant and colorful costumes, as well as elaborate set designs, Musical Theatre West seems to transport its audiences directly back to the ’80s. Notable props include Glen’s car and his possibly over-exaggerated large cell phone, with an even bigger battery. Robbie’s vibrating honeymoon bed, complemented with classic ’80s-inspired checkered sheets should also be mentioned. In fact, Robbie’s entire bedroom, with hair metal band posters on the walls, appears to be the epitome of the room of many young men who grew up in the ’80s.
Accompanied by a musical score with clear influences from the decade, the play is easy to engage oneself in, and the music is fun to sing and dance along to. Classic Sandler-written songs, such as the romantic ballad, “Grow Old With You,” and the hilarious, yet “melancholy” rock number, “Somebody Kill Me,” as well as newer numbers are included in the stage performance.
It wouldn’t seem easy to follow Sandler’s classic performance of Robbie. However, McCarthy seems to perform it flawlessly. The audience can almost feel his heart break when he is stood up at his own wedding, and cheers him on as he pursues Julia. McCarthy also shows a talent in instrumentation, as he plays the acoustic guitar in “Awesome,” “Somebody Kill Me” and “Grow Old With You.”
Brna is charming and lovely as Julia. Her character seems to undergo a Cinderella-like transformation, from a girlfriend of an evil lover to a woman searching for her prince. The innocence that Brna brings to Julia is enjoyable to watch, and all the while the audience hopes that Julia and Robbie discover their destiny to be together.
“The Wedding Singer” also has a wonderful supporting cast. Mary Jo Catlett, best remembered as Pearl from the popular ’80s sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes,” is hilarious and delightful as Rosie, Robbie’s grandmother. Catlett possesses spot-on comedic timing, and even shows off some rapping skills in the second act.
Jenna Coker-Jones is humorous and easily-likable as Julia’s cousin, Holly. Through her fun costumes and dialogue, Coker-Jones captures the essence of an ’80s girl, with clear fashion inspirations from Cyndi Lauper and Madonna.
With fun era-based music, a captivating storyline and a delightful ensemble of actors, “The Wedding Singer” is a show that should not be missed.
“The Wedding Singer” runs until July 24, with showings on Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m., with a 7 p.m. performance added on July 17. Ticket prices begin at $30 and can be purchased online at musical.org or at the box office, located at 4350 E. 7th St, from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Performances are held at the Carpenter Center, located at 6200 E. Atherton St.
