Review: THE WEDDING SINGER at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre

In spite of what you may have heard or read about this show from its 2006 Broadway incarnation, The Wedding Singer is certainly an enjoyable time. Who doesn't love 1980's campiness? Not only that, the Tony nominated stage version stays very true to the hilarious Adam Sandler movie particularly with the dialog.

Now running through May 22nd at the beautiful Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center (CMPAC), the stellar cast is superbly directed by CMPAC's Artistic Director Patrick Grossman.

The story by Chad Beguelin and the movie's creator Tim Herlihy centers on Robbie, a wedding singer, portrayed excellently by CMPAC vet Steve Cottonaro. Robbie is a sweet man looking for love and when we first meet him, he seems to have found it. However, he is stood-up at his own wedding. Throughout the show, we see him take solace in his friends and co-workers who he consistently sees at his wedding gigs. Among them, Robbie also meets Julia adorably portrayed by the fabulous Kristen DiGilio.

Having shared several CMPAC stages, Mr. Cottonaro and Ms. DiGilio's chemistry is inevitable and leaves you as blithe as the movie did. Indeed an audience favorite is their lovely rendition of "Grow Old With You", the familiar tune from the movie version, in act two. The entire company is truly extraordinary and I really commend and smile at their fervor as it seems some (OK, most) of them were not around in the 80's, so they might not fully realize the weight of the jokes both subtle and deliberate.

In addition, the overall look of the production is entertaining and bright; fitting for the 80's. A standout are the costumes done by Ronnie Green who also portrays George, one of Robbie's friends, in the production. High set crimped hair with head bands are aplenty. One minor quibble would probably be some small lighting snafu's, but I'm sure Allison Weinberger's team will have that cleaned up as the run progresses.

And so it seems that The Wedding Singer is another hit for The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center. A wonderfully executed production and 80's campiness makes for a really fun night of theatre.

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The Wedding Singer is presented by the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center through May 22nd.

Based on the New Line Cinema film starring Adam Sandler, Book by Chad Beguelin & Tim Herlihy, Music by Matthew Sklar, Lyrics by Chad Beguelin, Direction and Set Design by Patrick Grossman, Musical Direction by Matthew W. Surico, Choreography by Tara Bier-Plunkett, Sound Design by Nicolette Carosi, Lighting Design by Allison Weinberger, Stage Management by Amanda Wenchel, Costumes by Ronnie Green

Starring Steve Cottonaro as Robbie, Kristen Digilio as Julia, Corey Martin as Sammy, Ronnie Green as George, Brodie Centauro as Glenn, M.E. Junge as Holly, Jodi Saladino as Angie, Linda Pentz as Rosie, and Gina Morgigno as Linda with Erich Grathwohl, Carl Tese, Kaylyn Lewis, Laura Batchelor, Kevin Burns, Jessica Donlon, Londel Collier, Jaclyn Ruggero, Chris Loeschner, Michelle LaBozzetta, Joseph Bebry, Brian Frank, and Shaylyn Brown-Hurley

For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (631) 218-2810 or visit www.cmpac.com

Photo by Amanda Wenchel; The company of The Wedding Singer at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center