L to R: Seth Fallon as George, Xander Conte as Robbie Hart, and Henry Cyr as Sammy. Stasia Steuart Photography.
Silhouette Stages’ production of “The Wedding Singer,” directed by Jeremy Goldman and with music direction by Emily L. Sergo, is a totally awesome trip back in time. The costumes (by Deana Cruz-Conner), dance moves (by choreographer Jeremy A. McShan), and pop culture references will bring you back to a time when neon and mullets ruled. This high energy and incredibly fun show might be based on the 1998 movie of the same name, but it has more music, more laughs, and more nostalgia. There are constant references to the ‘80s including New Coke, Jane Fonda workouts, the clapper, Van Halen, sports cars, “Flashdance,” and the first iteration of the mobile phone.
…high energy and incredibly fun show…has more music, more laughs, and more nostalgia.
The show starts out with the song “It’s Your Wedding Day,” introducing us to the band (Sammy, George, and Robbie). George (Seth Fallon) is a dead ringer for Boy George, constantly entertaining us with his campy moves. Sammy (Henry Cyr) has long rocker curls and an attitude that the only way to live is to be single. Robbie (Xander Conte) is the wedding singer excited for his own wedding to girlfriend, Linda (Megan Mostow)—until she’s a no show at the altar.
Robbie is consoled by waitress, Julia (Maddie Bohrer), and realizes that she might be the one for him. But there is only one problem. Julia is engaged to Glen (Chris Riehl), a stockbroker specializing in insider trading, junk bonds, and cheating on his fiancée. Although the original roles were played by entertainment icons Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore in the movie, in my view, Bohrer and Conte are better, making each character their own and singing together in perfect harmony.
The dancing in the show is fantastic and complete with instantly recognizable moves of the era including the running man, the MC Hammer dance, and, of course, “Thriller.” The cast pulls these moves off perfectly. Particularly notable is Grandma Rosie’s (Debbie Mobley) breakdancing moves. Who knew a grandma could pull off moves like that?
“The Wedding Singer” is a crazy, nostalgic trip down memory lane. Whether it’s the speech of the drunk best man at the wedding or Linda’s trampy antics, you can’t help but laugh and have a great time. In the end, Robbie does get the girl with help from the likes of Mr. T, Billy Idol, Ronald Reagan, Imelda Marcos, Tina Turner, and Cyndi Lauper, bringing all our ‘80s fave icons together for a happy ending.
Running Time: Three hours including one intermission.
Advisory: Rated PG13. Contains adult language and content.
“The Wedding Singer” runs through April 2, 2023 at Silhouette Stages, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, MD 21044. Performances are Fridays/Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm. For more information and advance ticket purchase, please go online. The theater offers in-person ticket sales starting two hours before each performance.
