'The Wedding Singer' - A Joyous Affair

Frankly, dear reader, I must tell you I am surprised at the review I am about to write. THE WEDDING SINGER, the musical comedy based on the film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, opened last night at the Broward Center and I simply loved it.

Having never seen the film, I am not positive why I was expecting a less than favorable experience. Instinctively, I believe it may be the television commercial for this national tour. That commercial captures neither the humor nor the heart of this delightful confection.

The story is simple. We follow Robbie Hart, the title character, crooning his way as lead singer of a wedding band. Robbie gets dumped by his fiance, goes into a deep depression, and is helped by his band mates and his grandma, Rosie. Robbie gets varying kinds of help from others in his world, but his heart truly goes pitter pat when he meets Julia. So what if she happens to be engaged?

This show's book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy (based on the script for the film written by Mr. Herlihy) has something not often found in musicals. Its structure is practically perfert, allowing all the creative forces to reach for the top of their game, and they almost always succeed. The show is witty, and sometimes downright funny. It is also sexy, a bit raunchy, certainly adult, has lots of warmth and exudes charm.

The lyrics to the songs, supplied by Mr. Beguelin, are some of the cleverest and most humorous since Sondheim began his reign. Two of the songs in THE WEDDING SINGER are credited to Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy. 'Somebody Kill Me Please,' is about as funny as theater songs get and 'Grow Old With You' is lovely and poignant.

The music by Matthew Sklar is tuneful, catchy and sometimes touching. The score flows seamlessly through this musical, fitting the book like a tailor made glove.

A large bravo is in order for the creatives of THE WEDDING SINGER. The scenic design by Scott Pask is most impressive. His designs are fresh, flashy, funny and very fine.

His work is complemented by the thoughtful and clever costume designs by Gregory Gale and the lighting by Brian MacDevitt. Huge kudos to Rob Ashford for his award caliber choreography. Mr. Ashford's work here is great. The show rarely stops moving and the dancing is as gleeful as it is exuberant.

Under the steady handed direction of John Rando, all the pieces come together and THE WEDDING SINGER never has a moment when it is not fun.

Bob Cline Casting did a perfect job finding performers for whom their roles seem to have been written. A beautiful voiced Merritt David Janes in the title role, nails all the humor, and also nails the longing and hurt of Robbie Hart.

Erin Elizabeth Coors is a sublime singer, dancer, and actress. She is delightful and delivers a thoroughly winning performance. A delicious performance is given by Penny Larsen as Grandma Rosie, a wonderfully written part, matched with the perfect performer.

The same may be said for Justin Jutras and John Jacob Lee, the other members of the wedding band. Seeming to play parts created for them, these guys are just great.

THE WEDDING SINGER is filled with joy and surprising cleverness. The audience last night seemed to almost unanimously love this show. What a wonderful way to kick off the new Fort Lauderdale Broadway series. The final performance of THE WEDDING SINGER at The Broward Center is October 14.

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