It is refreshing to see a theatre company do a new musical in Calgary; one can only see some of the "classics" so many times. So when Cappuccino Musical Theatre announced they would be doing the Calgary premiere of The Wedding Singer, based on the 1998 film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, I was quite excited.
The company has managed to maximize the Vertigo studio space with a multi-tiered set. The intimate room was certainly well filled with the cast, probably one of the largest I have seen in the venue.
In fact, an interesting challenge in a show like this is casting. The temptation for a director is to cast an Adam Sandler wannabe in the role of Robbie. It would be difficult to "be" Adam Sandler and fortunately in this production that is not the case. Philip Frias is effective as the aimless wedding singer and backs up the character with great pipes. Jamie Matchullis' Julia, again, is not meant to be an impersonator of Drew Barrymore, and the two do have chemistry on stage.
Bryan Smith and Jeff Follis are scene stealers as bassist Sammy and keyboardist George. Having seen Smith in the recent Austentatious and now in this role, the guy has amazing comedic timing. Follis' flamboyant Boy George lookalike is fun and campy without being offensive. His duet with Robbie's Grandma, played by Sherry West, is another highlight.
The show isn't as polished as what you would see on Broadway or the Jubilee Auditorium touring shows, but that doesn't take away from it at all. The energy and enthusiasm from the cast really worked. There are some awesome 80's references as well, none of which I will spoil here, that had the opening night audience howling with laughter. The movie's Somebody Kill Me and Grow Old With You numbers do make the musical as well.
We often forget that there is good quality theatre in some of the smaller companies, and The Wedding Singer is a perfect example. A lot of the people in this show are the future of theatre in Calgary, and by enjoying the show, you not only support their dreams but you also have a fine evening out.
