Wedding Singer 80's Flashback
Broadway Musical Based on the 1998 Film Hits HCT with Decade-inspired Choreography and Songs, New Transparent Stage Floor and Club Lighting
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (May 27, 2009) — Hale Centre Theatre (HCT), Utah’s premier family theatre, will present the 80s-inspired Broadway musical, “The Wedding Singer,” June 15 through July 31, 2010. The hilariously joyful story told through iconic references, music and dance, is based on the 1998 Adam Sandler film.
HCT’s “The Wedding Singer” features memorable choreography from 2010 Best of State Choreographer Jenny Barlow. Through five different wedding scenes and high-energy group numbers, Barlow weaves in 80s dances like the Roger Rabbit and Cabbage Patch and pays homage to music videos “Thriller” and “Flash Dance.” Dancers perform under a 20-disco-ball finale, including one that is five feet in diameter.
“It really is a 1980s rock show. Although the music is original, it has familiar rhythms and sounds of the decade,” said David Neiman, HCT director for “The Wedding Singer.” “The sweet and romantic story is a timeless theme woven into a fun and memorable period of music and dance.”
With more lighting cues, fixtures and effects than any other HCT production, “The Wedding Singer” features a new Plexiglas transparent floor that will enhance the production’s bright-colored lighting and give the theatre a dance club feel, typical of the era. “Dynasty” hairdos, “Miami Vice” wardrobe and iconic props like a keytar and “brick” cell phone add to the nostalgia.
Set in 1985, the musical story follows Robbie Hart, a wedding singer who is happy with his life performing in a reception hall until his high-school sweetheart leaves him at the altar. In his despair, he befriends Julia Sullivan, who is engaged to a self-absorbed junk-bond trader. As Robbie and Julia grow closer, they experience the ups and downs of trying to anticipate what the other wants in life and the challenges of love in a “material world.”
“The Wedding Singer” musical book is written by the original 1998 film screenwriters, Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy, with original music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Beguelin. Two songs written for the film by Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy are also part of the production. The musical received five Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, during its 2006 run on Broadway and had two national tours (2008, 2010). The show also was honored with eight Drama Desk Award nominations and three Drama League Award nominations.
HCT’s “The Wedding Singer” is directed by Neiman and choreographed by Barlow with musical direction by Kelly DeHaan. It stars Derek Smith and Bryan Matthew Hague as Robbie Hart; Breanne Briggs and Ali Bennett as Julia Sullivan. Other credits include costume designer, Leslie Warwood; prop master and set designer, Kacey Udy; lighting designer, Spencer Brown; and technical director and sound designer, Dan Morgan.
Performances are Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with matinées each Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and occasional weekdays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices for Monday through Thursday evenings and matinees are $22 per adult and $15 per child (5-11 years); for Friday and Saturday evening shows tickets are $26 per adult and $16 per child (5-11 years). Tickets may be purchased online at www.halecentretheatre.org, via telephone at (801) 984-9000 or at the Hale Centre Theatre box office at 3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, Utah.
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Media Contact:
Heather Barnum
(801) 481-9482
hbarnum@intrepidagency.com
