Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
Review: THE WEDDING SINGER Brings the 80s Back To Life At The Gateway

Review: THE WEDDING SINGER Brings the 80s Back To Life At The Gateway

Now running through February 26th at the beautiful Gateway Playhouse, the stellar cast is expertly directed by Gateway vet Keith Andrews .

In spite of what you may have heard or read about this musical from its 2006 Broadway incarnation, know that 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 February 26th at the beautiful Gateway Playhouse, the stellar cast is expertly directed by Gateway vet Keith Andrews .

The story by the movie's creator, Tim Herlihy, centers on Robbie - Mr. Sandler's role from the movie - who is the lead singer in a wedding band. In a show-must-go-on moment, I had the great pleasure of seeing Jose Contreras in the role of Robbie as Douglas Goodhart had to be out. 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 Sarah Ellis.

Indeed, Ms. Ellis and Mr. Contreras are a fantastic team with great chemistry that leaves you as lighthearted as the movie did. A favorite of the enthusiastic audience 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 of them were not around in the 80's, so they might not fully realize the true weight of the jokes both subtle and deliberate.

In addition, the overall look of Brittany Loesch's set is entertaining and bright; fitting for the 80's. Also, you will love the amazing costumes done by Alex Conn. High set crimped hair and crazy clothes are deliciously aplenty. Special kudos also to the spectacular orchestra masterfully headed up by Alex Haile Austin. They perform the score by Mathew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (lyrics) effortlessly. Indeed, this is a fun and visually stunning show.

And so it seems that The Wedding Singer is another hit for Bellport's Gateway Playhouse, which recently became a year round theatre. Definitely a must see this Winter season on beautiful Long Island. A wonderfully executed production and 80's campiness makes for a really fun night of theatre.



Review: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING At Bacca Arts Center at BACCA Arts Center Photo
What did our critic think of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING AT BACCA ARTS CENTER at BACCA Arts Center?

East End Special Players to Present TURTLES ON THE TARMAC! in April Photo
Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts has announced the return of The East End Special Players to the Bay Street stage. Following a two year hiatus, the Players are appearing in a premiere benefit performance of their new play Turtles on the Tarmac on Saturday, April 29, at 4 p.m. at Bay Street Theater. The event begins Saturday, April 29, with a reception and silent auction starting at 3 p.m.

The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport Presents SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL Photo
The John W. Engeman Theater announces the cast and creative team for SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL TYA. Performances will begin on Saturday, April 1, 2023, and will run through Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Review: THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT at Hampton Theatre Company Photo
What did our critic think of THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT at Hampton Theatre Company?


From This Author - Melissa Giordano

Melissa has been covering theatre for BroadwayWorld for the past eight years and has loved every second of it. She is consistently inspired by the talent of the artists of her beloved Long Island a... (read more about this author)


Review: THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT at Hampton Theatre CompanyReview: THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT at Hampton Theatre Company
March 24, 2023

What did our critic think of THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT at Hampton Theatre Company?

Review: SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM at Theatre ThreeReview: SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM at Theatre Three
February 23, 2023

What did our critic think of SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM at Theatre Three?

Review: WEST SIDE STORY at The ArgyleReview: WEST SIDE STORY at The Argyle
February 16, 2023

What did our critic think of WEST SIDE STORY at The Argyle?

Review: THE WEDDING SINGER Brings the 80s Back To Life At The GatewayReview: THE WEDDING SINGER Brings the 80s Back To Life At The Gateway
February 2, 2023

What did our critic think of THE WEDDING SINGER at The Gateway?

Review: DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at John W. Engeman TheaterReview: DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at John W. Engeman Theater
January 26, 2023

What did our critic think of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at John W. Engeman Theater?