The Players Guild of Dearborn presents its summer teen Guildling show, the musical “The Wedding Singer” July 18 to 21 at the theater, 21730 Madison in Dearborn. For tickets and more information, go to playersguildofdearborn.org.
The Players Guild of Dearborn presents its summer teen Guildling show, the musical “The Wedding Singer” July 18 to 21 at the theater, 21730 Madison in Dearborn.
Set in 1985, rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart has built a reputation as a sought-after wedding singer until he is left at the altar of his own wedding, after which he doesn’t want any wedding to be “happily ever after.” However, when he meets and falls for Julia, a waitress engaged to a wealthy, philandering businessman, he may just have found a reason to seek his own happiness again.
The show is directed by Marc Walentowicz, with musical director Beth Wondolowski and choreographer Makena Shell.
The cast includes Jeffrey Prueitt as Robbie Hart, Lily Rork as Julia Sullivan, Riley Barbee as Holly, Hayden Brasgalla as George, Nolan Strickland as Sammy, Cora Liverance as Rosie, Otto Krueger as Glen, Kate Varitek as Linda, and Maeve O’Connell as Angie.
The ensemble includes Steven Durant, Layla Garcia Dmytrusz, Ryan Helka, Ari Palmer, Rose Panyek, Royce Withrow, Lydia Smith and Amy Tran.
Walentowicz said “The Wedding Singer” is a generational comedy that will appeal to everyone.
“It is safe to say that the song ‘Somebody Kill Me’ will be a favorite to anyone who’s seen the film,” he said. “The story is in the same vein as the film, but it’s full of original music that matches the iconic story.”
Walentowicz said the set and costumes are colorful, and the show takes advantage of the 1980s big hair.
“You can’t relive the ’80s with a frown,” he said.
Prueitt said he appreciates being able to play a character popularized by Adam Sandler.
“His characters are beloved by many people, so I really enjoy keeping that in mind when I play Robbie, while also adding my own little tweaks to his character,” he said. “Robbie is such a unique and fun character to play.”
Prueitt said the musical takes the humor and the campiness of the movie and channels it into song.
“The songs in this show express the nature of the movie and are extremely catchy,” he said.
Rork said that those who have seen the movie will find the references and insider jokes about the source material entertaining.
“We even pay homage to Adam Sandler in one of our numbers,” she said. “We’re a time machine when it comes to the ’80s with music, dance moves and costumes.”
Barbee said audiences will love the big, complex group numbers.
“‘Saturday Night in the City’ is going to be a favorite,” she said. “The entire cast is in it, whether in the dance, vocals or scenes in between.”
Barbee said one doesn’t need to have seen the movie to enjoy and understand the musical.
“The plot is very well-explained and developed,” she said. “On the other hand, for fans of the original Adam Sandler film, the musical is very strictly based off the original source material.”
Withrow said the unique storytelling conveyed through the musical’s songs sets the show apart from the original film.
“Fans of both will enjoy the playful, joyous, comedic story that follows the original plot of the film but adding a bit of pizzazz,” he said.
Dmytrusz agreed that the music sets the stage show apart from the original film.
“Instead of being told through comedy, quick whips and body humor, this show is mainly shown and told through music,” she said.
Varitek said she enjoys playing a character that is different from what she usually plays.
“Linda is crazy and wild, which has been fun to do because it’s mostly up to my own interpretation,” she said. “The crazy ex-fiancé becomes crazy and cartoonish. I think for every character, the songs add more depth.”
Varitek said the show is never boring, and the cast and crew have worked hard to bring an ’80s vibe to the stage.
“Despite the fact that all of us kids never experienced it, we studied videos and really understand all the references that I know the audiences will love.”
Show times are 7:30 p.m. July 18, 19 and 20 and 2:30 p.m. July 21 at the Players Guild of Dearborn, 21730 Madison in Dearborn.
Tickets are $17 and are available at 313-561-TKTS or at playersguildofdearborn.org.