By Jessica Kennedy.
Feeling nostalgic lately? Love watching Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore fall in love amidst a warm and fuzzy rom-com plot? If so, then you will love Gateway Theater’s newest mainstage production of The Wedding Singer. Directed by Keith Andrews and running from January 27- February 26, this performance is guaranteed to make you smile.
Based on the 1998 film by the same name, this play follows Robbie Hart, wedding singer extraordinaire, as he grieves the failure of his own happily ever after- then finds it again with his true perfect match. This musical premiered on Broadway in 2006 and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical the same year. The play has the same basic plot, characters, and fan favorite songs as the film; including the finale song that made the movie’s ending so satisfying- the tear jerkingly tender “Grow Old with You.”
The casting of this show was very effective and enjoyable. Douglas Goodhart’s Robbie Hart felt reminiscent of Sandler’s, while also unique and utterly charming in his own way; his rendition of the infamous “Somebody Kill Me” was hysterical. Julia Sullivan is just as sweet and affable as Barrymore when played by the talented Sarah Ellis; along with Katie Lamark as the playful and promiscuous Holly, their dynamic was both fun and heartfelt. Bill Coyne pulled off the greedy, slimy persona of Glen Guglia with style and ease- his song “All About the Green” was a great opening to Act II! Kelly Macmillan nailed the attitude and posturing of Robbie’s ex- fiancé, Linda. Overall, this show is sprinkled throughout with lots of 90s references, jokes, and style! Robbie’s basement digs were perfect, as was Linda’s grunge look and Holly’s awesomely high hair! While the show does have a variety of new numbers, it stays true enough to the original to keep fans laughing in anticipation and smiling in sentimentality.
If you like your theater to be fun, feel good, and free spirited, then this is the show for you! Running time is 2 ½ hours with a 15 minute intermission.