Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) will present its fall musical, The Wedding Singer, October 14-22 at the Coronado Performing Arts Center located at 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on October 14, 15, 21 & 22 and 2 p.m. on October 16.
Based on the 1998 film of the same name starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, The Wedding Singer musical uses fashion, bright colors, and iconic dance numbers (“Thriller”, anyone?) to create a hilarious send-up of 80s celebrities and styles.
“The kids really wanted to do this musical,” says director Barbara Wolf. “They’re fascinated by the 80s it’s vintage for them.” The students, all performers in grades 9 12 and part of CoSA’s Musical Theatre and Drama program, were also excited to do a rock musical. While two songs from the movie are used in the musical, the rest of the score is original rock songs. And the kids are rocking it, according to Wolf. “I think because they’re naturally attuned to pop music, they pick up the rock musical style easily and just go for it,” she says. “The energy is really engaging.”
Coronado student Baylie Rose Zimmerman, who plays Holly, a character with an affinity for Madonna’s wardrobe, echoes Wolf’s sentiment about the energy. “The show is tremendously upbeat. We also have a live band that’s incredible, and they create this energy that just hits you when the music starts,” she says. Baylie Rose also credits the large cast, which includes many students from Coronado as well as all over San Diego County, for giving the show a unique vibrancy. “We have all these different people who love the same thing but are bringing something of their own to it,” she says. “It’s honestly going to be an amazing show, so definitely come see it!” Additional Coronado students in the cast include Jake Gomrick (who plays Robbie Hart, Adam Sandler’s role), Wesley Ahrens, Amelia Altstadt, Matthew Bond, Victoria Celano, Nathan Chisholm, Patrick Clark, James Harbaugh, Geordy Shallan, Chrissy Taylor, Maddy Williamson, and Hannah Zickel.
Fans of the movie will not be disappointed by the theatre adaptation. “The musical follows the movie pretty closely,” Wolf says, “except that some of the minor roles in the movie are expanded.” That expansion allows for many more opportunities to engage with the wackiness of the 1980s. Set in the year 1985, The Wedding Singer takes place right in the middle of the neon-drenched, big-haired decade, and the cast and crew of CoSA’s production are having a great time with it.
As in the movie, the musical follows would-be lovebirds Robbie Hart and Julia Sullivan. Robbie, the titular singer, is dumped by his longtime girlfriend, leading to misery and a familiar song from the movie in which he screams his anguish. His belief in love is renewed when Julia enters his life, then it’s tested when he finds out Julia is engaged to slickster Glen Guglia. The love story comes to fruition with another familiar song from the movie, “I Wanna Grow Old With You.”
The romantic entanglements of Robbie and Julia are just an element of the comedic, high-energy experience that is The Wedding Singer. “It’s a serious homage to the 80s,” explains Wolf. And with an elaborate set, a cast of 33 students, a live band, and plenty of 80s costumes, the show promises to be a visual as well as comedic extravaganza.
Make a date with the 80s and don’t miss this fun production! Tickets to The Wedding Singer are available for purchase online at www.cosafoundation.org. Prices range from $6 to $16 depending on age. All seating is general admission. Tickets will also be available for purchase in person during the box office hours of 3-5 p.m. on Octorber 12 and 13 and at the door 45 minutes prior to showtime. Coronado Performing Arts Center Theatre and Box Office are located at 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118. Call 619.522.4050 x5 with questions.
