“Fun” is the word Mel Syverson, the show’s director, repeatedly used to describe the production. She explains that the light-hearted musical follows the same story as the 1998 film featuring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, just with added scenes and music.
One scene, not in the original film, takes place in Las Vegas and features a number of iconic 1980s’ characters that Syverson said will be an audience favorite.
“Musically, it’s really strong and the dance is great,” Syverson said. “And then it’s ’80s’ costumes, so that’s fun.”
“The Wedding Singer” is rated PG-13 for language. Syverson clarifies the show is low on sexual innuendo, but the limited use of certain words may make it unsuitable for children.
The original show schedule was changed after the Seattle Seahawks won the division championship and several people canceled their tickets in order to watch the Super Bowl. As a result, Sunday’s matinee was dropped and a matinee on Feb. 14 was added.
The additional show on Valentine’s Day also has the benefit of providing some flexibility for people making plans for that day, Syverson said, adding ticket sales for the show have been strong.
Show synopsis:
Set in 1985, rock star Robbie Hart (TJ Richardson, Lewiston) is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party, but when his own fiancee leaves him at the altar, his performances with bandmates Sammy (Austin Mason, Lewiston) and George (Micheal Keene, Lewiston) become a disaster. Enter Julia (Olivia Kennedy, Grangeville), a waitress who wins his affection. Julia is about to be married to no-good Wall Street shark Glen (Ryan Murray, Clarkston). With the support of Sammy and Julia’s cousin Holly (Becky Tank, Lewiston), Robbie chases after the girl of his dreams.
If you go: WHAT: “The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy” WHEN: 7:30 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 5-7, Feb. 12-14 and 2 p.m. Feb. 8 and Feb. 14-15 WHERE: Lewiston Civic Theatre, 805 Sixth Ave., Lewiston COST: $16 adults, $13 seniors age 60 and older, $11 student with ID, $8 children 12 and younger. Tickets are available online at www.lctheatre.org or by calling the box office at (208) 746-3401.
