Don’t miss the Wedding Singer this weekend at West
Grandma Rosie, played by Cherry Hill West senior Shannon Tyler, affectionately calls her character a hip, old, potty-mouthed grandmother.
She is one of many outspoken characters set to appear in this weekend’s rendition of “The Wedding Singer,” a popular 1998 movie-turned Broadway production, complete with outrageous ’80s fashion, makeup and glitter to satisfy even Boy George himself.
At one of last week’s dress rehearsals, Tyler presents her grandson, Robbie Hart, played that evening by Robert Petroski, his wedding present to use the next day — a bed she acquired from a hotel sale.
She and her grandson, a wedding singer, share an awkward moment on the bed, which erupts into a comical song in which Grandma Rosie details all her past lovers.
Even with seemingly more “adult” themes, West teacher and theater director Carolyn Messias said she trusts students can appreciate their roles in a mature way.
“It’s a riskier piece. They tend to like this kind of musical. It’s a fun show,” Messias said. “Students always want to do a big dance show.”
When the wedding day arrives for Robbie and Linda, played by Morgan Pyle, Linda leaves him hanging at the altar. Robbie spirals into a deep depression, swearing he’ll stick to singing exclusively at Bar Mitzvahs.
Meanwhile, Julia Sullivan, played by Kaitlyn Styles, waits rather impatiently for Glen Guglia, her Wall Street boyfriend, to propose. He finally does at dinner and, of course, she sings about it.
Julia and Robbie become closer, as Glen, played by Christian Feliciano, is always busy with his entrepreneurial work.
Julia’s cousin Holly, played by Paige Espinoza, starts swooning for Robbie. And even though Julia is marrying Glen, she can’t help but fall for him a little when the two practice for her wedding kiss.
Paige admits her on-stage character is a bit over-the-top and flirtatious.
“I’m a bit of a flirt. I get around,” Espinoza said.
“She’s the Snooki of the show,” Messias joked.
Later, the gang goes out in the big city for a night on the town. Robbie and Holly realize Glen is a cheater. Things become even more complicated when Robbie decides he’s in love with Julia and doesn’t want her to marry Glen for his money.
Robbie tries to learn Glen’s Wall Street ways, in order to impress Julia in the hopes he could steal her away. After a few adult beverages, Robbie’s friends accidentally convince him to tell Julia how he really feels about her.
He watches her try on her wedding dress from outside her window, deciding not to talk to her. When Robbie returns, he finds Linda in his bed, wanting him back.
Julia soon seeks out Robbie, but finds Linda at his house, instead. Robbie kicks Linda out for good. At his grandmother’s 50th anniversary party, Holly tells Robbie the whole story. Meanwhile, Julia is on her way to Las Vegas to wed Glen.
Grandma Rosie encourages Robbie to fly to Vegas, where he crashes Julia and Glen’s wedding. Glen erupts at Julia and Robbie’s feelings for each other, and blurts out that he’s cheated on Julia with many women.
Julia responds to Robbie’s proposal on one condition — that he’d sing at her wedding.
Those involved with the production agreed it’s one of the funniest shows they’ve done in a while. In recent years, students have put on the “Wizard of Oz” and other more traditional shows.
But no matter what type of show they put on, everyone maintains a close-knit feeling.
Messias, a West graduate, took over directing the musicals three years ago. Singing and choreography were provided by East grad Rachel Lieberman and West grad Caitlin Catanella.
And students said the camaraderie among cast members can’t be beat.
“We’re so close. I’m not even joking … we’re all best friends,” said Pyle, whose circle of female cast mates unanimously agreed.
The musicals also bring together all walks of life from the school, and students said they’ve enjoyed the chance to get to meet other students they wouldn’t normally get to meet.
Feliciano is the captain of the football team and Pyle is on the volleyball squad, along with a host of other athletes, musicians and artists in the cast.
“The musical is a highlight of the year,” Espinoza said. “It’s the chance to show what you have.”
To see the cast in all it’s flash dancing glory, check out the show on March 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be held on March 25 and 31 at 2 p.m. For ticket information, call 663–8006, ext. 1224.
At the 7:30 p.m. shows, Nick Petroski will play Robbie Hart, Styles will play Julia Sullivan, Espinoza will play Holly, Zach Birnbaum will play George, Alex Foxwell will play Sammy, Feliciano will play Glen Guglia, Tyler will play Grandma Rosie, Pyle will play Linda and Dionna Vereen will play Angie.
At the matinee show, the understudies will take the lead. Robert Petroski will play Robbie Hart, Jessica Matczak will play Julia Sullivan, Shannon Catanella will play Holly, Donald Seaman will play George, Patrick Hall will play Sammy, Ethan Abrams will play Glen Guglia, Marna Dunne will play Grandma Rosie, Zayna Youssef will play Linda and Samantha Foxwell will play Angie.
