BWW Reviews: THE WEDDING SINGER Fizzles at Slow Burn Theatre

It seems a wise and refreshing choice for a theatre company known for producing thought-provoking and challenging works to decidedly chill out over the summer. It is clear that much of their efforts were focused on expertly executed productions, such as their last Sweeney Todd, with a self-declared 'fluff' piece in their summer slot. There is no better way to describe The Wedding Singer. Definitely not winning any awards for strong writing or a rich plot, the musical was ripped from the Adam Sandler movie and opened on Broadway in 2006 to luke warm (at best) reviews. The music, while fun, is mostly forgettable and the generic Jersey stereotypes only lend themselves to cheap one liners.

That being said, the saving grace of Slow Burn's production lies in the casting of Clay Cartland and Courtney Poston as lovers Robbie and Julia respectively. Cartland, with substantial musical talents, breathes a new life into the Adam Sandler role and makes it his own rather than attempting imitation. He brings a cute quirkiness that adds to the dorky romantic connection between him and lovable Poston. The only real emotion felt in the show is in their relationship. Poston navigates her songs well and proves a great fit for the girl-next-door type.

Sadly, the two standouts were not supported well enough from their cohorts to result in an engaging production. Missed opportunities by Nicole Piro and Erica Mendez to create hilarious star turns with their featured songs (powerhouses Felicia Finley and Amy Spanger in the Broadway production) left us seeing potential but never quite realizing it. While usually inventive in his staging, director/choreographer Patrick Fitzwater rested on standard stage conventions and repetition. The ensemble does its best to barrel through each number with a red bull level energy and carefree summertime fun abandon that we wish was contagious.

While no educated theatregoer would ever expect any life changing moments to come from a show such as The Wedding Singer, the level of professionalism usually noted at Slow Burn has gone on vacation. It is sorely missed, but sure to return for their much-anticipated fall production of Next to Normal.

Courtney Poston as Julia, Clay Cartland as Robbie, Domenic Servidio as Sammy and Erica Mendez as Holly. Photo Credit: Gemma Bramham.

Clay Cartland as Robbie and Courtney Poston as Julia. Photo Credit: Gemma Bramham.