Oh, Take Me Back to 1985
This article originally appeared on May 31, 2012, in Compass, published by The Lakeville Journal Co.
Theater: ‘The Wedding Singer’
By Darryl Gangloff
Sadly, time-traveling DeLoreans don’t really exist (yet, anyway). So if you want to see the “Thriller” dance, cell phones the size of bricks and parachute pants this weekend, your best bet is “The Wedding Singer” at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck.
If the title sounds familiar, that’s because this comedic musical is based on the film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.
The plot revolves around a wedding singer (naturally) who gets his heart broken before falling in love with a waitress. Oh, and it happens to be 1985, so there are also Flock of Seagulls haircuts and “Flashdance” references galore.
“The Wedding Singer” is presented by the Castaway Players Theatre Company, which refers to itself as a “family” in the playbill.
This camaraderie among the cast members is ultimately what makes the show a success. Not only do they commit to their roles onstage, but their work behind the scenes is imperative as well.
Let’s first shine the spotlight on Frank McGinnis, who fills the shoes of the wedding singer himself, Robbie Hart. McGinnis is incredibly likable in the role, allowing the audience to easily root for him to get the girl. He’s able to cheerfully bask in the wonder of weddings until his heart is torn out by Linda, his ex-fiancée (brought to life by Cassiopeia Ottulich and her powerhouse voice), at which point he convincingly crashes headfirst into despair.
Listening to him sing “Somebody Kill Me” (if you’ve ever seen the movie, you know the song I’m talking about) is worth the price of admission alone.
Kerry Gibbons plays Robbie’s muse and love interest, waitress Julia Sullivan. While ex-fiancée Linda represents pure ’80s metal, Julia is the personification of sweet. Gibbons is able to pull this off without being saccharine, and she pairs up nicely with McGinnis.
And then there’s Sean Matthew Whiteford as Sammy, Robbie’s friend and bandmate.
Whiteford is a ball of energy who perfectly captures the essence of the ’80s and keeps the audience glued to his every move. Did I mention he’s also the director, producer, vocal director and choreographer?
And how about the fact that he founded the Castaway Players in 2005 when he was 17 years old? This guy is talented; if you go to the Center this weekend, be sure to keep an eye (and ear) on him.
Henry George Staats III plays two pivotal roles in the production: George, Robbie’s goth/glam bandmate, and the scenic designer. His minimalistic sets are quite creative. In one moment Robbie’s wallowing in an alley dumpster, and then a wall covered in “Back to the Future” and “Journey” posters drops down from above and we’re in Robbie’s bedroom. Then it all vanishes and the stage is suddenly converted into a wedding for a huge dance number.
In addition to all that work, Staats has great comedic timing as George.
The supporting cast shines in “The Wedding Singer.” Juda Leah is sure to be an audience favorite as Holly, Julia’s best friend. (Remember those “Flashdance” references I mentioned?) Matthew Patane is perfect as Glen Guglia, Julia’s fiancé and a stereotypical ’80s Wall Street jerk. Lisa Beth Michaels is sure to make you smile as Rosie, the rapping grandmother.
And let’s not forget the ensemble cast members who undergo quick costume changes to play characters ranging from the “mutants at table nine” to Billy Idol and Mr. T impersonators.
“The Wedding Singer” is a fun ride thanks to the passion of the Castaway Players. Whether you’re a fan of the movie, a child of the ’80s or just like to laugh, you’ll likely find something to enjoy in this production.
“The Wedding Singer” continues at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck June 1-3. For tickets, call 845-876-3080 or go to www.centerforperformingarts.org.
Theater: ‘The Wedding Singer’
By Darryl Gangloff
Sadly, time-traveling DeLoreans don’t really exist (yet, anyway). So if you want to see the “Thriller” dance, cell phones the size of bricks and parachute pants this weekend, your best bet is “The Wedding Singer” at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck.
If the title sounds familiar, that’s because this comedic musical is based on the film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.
The plot revolves around a wedding singer (naturally) who gets his heart broken before falling in love with a waitress. Oh, and it happens to be 1985, so there are also Flock of Seagulls haircuts and “Flashdance” references galore.
“The Wedding Singer” is presented by the Castaway Players Theatre Company, which refers to itself as a “family” in the playbill.
This camaraderie among the cast members is ultimately what makes the show a success. Not only do they commit to their roles onstage, but their work behind the scenes is imperative as well.
Let’s first shine the spotlight on Frank McGinnis, who fills the shoes of the wedding singer himself, Robbie Hart. McGinnis is incredibly likable in the role, allowing the audience to easily root for him to get the girl. He’s able to cheerfully bask in the wonder of weddings until his heart is torn out by Linda, his ex-fiancée (brought to life by Cassiopeia Ottulich and her powerhouse voice), at which point he convincingly crashes headfirst into despair.
Listening to him sing “Somebody Kill Me” (if you’ve ever seen the movie, you know the song I’m talking about) is worth the price of admission alone.
Kerry Gibbons plays Robbie’s muse and love interest, waitress Julia Sullivan. While ex-fiancée Linda represents pure ’80s metal, Julia is the personification of sweet. Gibbons is able to pull this off without being saccharine, and she pairs up nicely with McGinnis.
And then there’s Sean Matthew Whiteford as Sammy, Robbie’s friend and bandmate.
Whiteford is a ball of energy who perfectly captures the essence of the ’80s and keeps the audience glued to his every move. Did I mention he’s also the director, producer, vocal director and choreographer?
And how about the fact that he founded the Castaway Players in 2005 when he was 17 years old? This guy is talented; if you go to the Center this weekend, be sure to keep an eye (and ear) on him.
Henry George Staats III plays two pivotal roles in the production: George, Robbie’s goth/glam bandmate, and the scenic designer. His minimalistic sets are quite creative. In one moment Robbie’s wallowing in an alley dumpster, and then a wall covered in “Back to the Future” and “Journey” posters drops down from above and we’re in Robbie’s bedroom. Then it all vanishes and the stage is suddenly converted into a wedding for a huge dance number.
In addition to all that work, Staats has great comedic timing as George.
The supporting cast shines in “The Wedding Singer.” Juda Leah is sure to be an audience favorite as Holly, Julia’s best friend. (Remember those “Flashdance” references I mentioned?) Matthew Patane is perfect as Glen Guglia, Julia’s fiancé and a stereotypical ’80s Wall Street jerk. Lisa Beth Michaels is sure to make you smile as Rosie, the rapping grandmother.
And let’s not forget the ensemble cast members who undergo quick costume changes to play characters ranging from the “mutants at table nine” to Billy Idol and Mr. T impersonators.
“The Wedding Singer” is a fun ride thanks to the passion of the Castaway Players. Whether you’re a fan of the movie, a child of the ’80s or just like to laugh, you’ll likely find something to enjoy in this production.
“The Wedding Singer” continues at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck June 1-3. For tickets, call 845-876-3080 or go to www.centerforperformingarts.org.