Cessy Newmon
Throw back to the days of disco, overdone perms for women and long hair for men, and you’ve got the makings of the party that is THE WEDDING SINGER. The show opens at a wedding reception, where lead singer Robbie Hart (Jake Pearce) is singing with his bandmates Sammy (Paul Gary) and George (Nick Cooper). As part of his speech to the wedding couple, Robbie announces that he’s getting married the next day. But there is a moment at the wedding when he meets waitress Julia Sullivan (Brooklyn Klekamp) and there is a spark.
Robbie’s fiancee, Linda (Jen Brooks), is a no-show at the altar, while Julia’s boyfriend, Glen Gulia (Keegan Smith), finally proposes to her. After that, this romantic comedy has the twists and turns of who’s engaged to whom and who’s getting dumped or showing up uninvited at any given time. It’s a fast-paced romp, with upbeat music that moves things forward quickly.
Mr. Pearce is a strong leading man with a smooth voice, who easily moves between the outgoing and strong lead for band and the depressed adult who still lives in his grandmother Rosie’s (Cathy Merkle Roddy) basement. Ms. Klekamp plays a very soft Julia, allowing Jessie Roddy who plays her sister, Holly Sullivan, and Mr. Smith to provide much of the comedy around her.
There are a number of powerhouses in this ensemble, and the script allows them all to have moments to shine. Many of both the cast and ensemble do some semblance of star impersonations. First to emerge is Mr. Cooper, who looks like Boy George and whose vocals and comedic timing are impeccable (and teamed with Cathy Merkle Roddy has the most hilarious number in the show). Ms. Brooks is a Heart-style rocker. Ensemble members take on the likes of Elvis, Prince, and Tina Turner with the latter two being ringers for the originals. Not an impersonator, but Jessie Roddy can out-belt anyone in the cast.
With a book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy, lyrics by Beguelin and music by Matthew Sklar, it is a spinoff from the movie with the same title written by Herlihy. You may not know Herlihy, but you’ll most likely know some of his work. He has frequently teamed with Adam Sandler for Saturday Night Live, and his films include Happy Gilmore, Mr. Deeds, Bedtime Stories, and Pixels, with Herlihy as an actor or producer in many of these as well as co-author with various writing partners.
THE WEDDING SINGER is at the Alhambra Theatre, 12000 Beach Blvd., October 3-November 10, 2024. Ticket prices vary based on show and seating. For reservations and a look at the treats yet to come for the season, go to alhambrajax.com or call (904) 641-1212.
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