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The Wedding Singer (musical)
Encyclopedia
The Wedding Singer is a musical
with music by Matthew Sklar
, lyrics by Chad Beguelin
, and a book by Chad Beguelin
and Tim Herlihy
. It is based on the 1998 film The Wedding Singer
.
Robbie Hart, a wedding singer, lives with his Grandma Rosie in Ridgefield, New Jersey. He and his band play a great wedding gig ("It’s Your Wedding Day"). During his usual "warm-up-the-crowd routine," Robbie proudly announces that he will be married to his beloved fiancée Linda the next day. After the wedding gig that night, Robbie tries to write a sweet (eventually corny) love song to Linda, with help from his waitress friend, Julia Sullivan, whom he had just met during the previous wedding ("Awesome"). The following day, however, Linda dumps Robbie at the altar, with only a note ("A Note from Linda"). Meanwhile, an anxious Julia goes out to dinner with her boyfriend, Glen Guglia, hoping he will pop the question, which he does ("Pop!").
Robbie falls into a deep depression ("Somebody Kill Me Please"), but is urged by his bandmates Sammy and George, and even his grandmother ("A Note from Grandma"), to use that intense emotion to get back on his feet. However, the angry Robbie does nothing but enrage the guests at the next wedding gig ("Casualty of Love"), and he is soon thrown into the dumpster by the bridal party. With some convincing from his friend Julia, Robbie does "Come Out of the Dumpster", but changes his singing gigs strictly to bar mitzvahs ("Today You Are a Man"). After the Shapiro bar mitzvah ("George’s Prayer"), Julia convinces Robbie to help her register for her wedding, as her fiancé Glen is, as usual, busy with business-related affairs ("Not That Kind of Thing").
While at the mall, Robbie and Julia meet up with Julia's cousin and best friend Holly, who convinces the "faux duo" that Julia needs to practice her wedding kiss. Robbie and Julia awkwardly–and lovingly– kiss, only to be interrupted by the reality that Julia is marrying Glen. After seeing the kiss, Holly decides that she should go out with Robbie. Julia, still shocked by the kiss, hastily agrees with Holly. Much later that night, Robbie, Holly, Julia, Glen, Sammy, and George go to a club in New York City
("Saturday Night in the City"). Here Robbie finally realizes that Glen is a cheater and that he, Robbie, loves Julia. Holly realizes this too and tells Robbie that Julia is marrying Glen because of his money and security. Upon hearing this, Robbie exclaims, "Maybe I could change!"
Act 2
The next morning, Robbie visits Glen at his Wall Street
office to get a job and learn how to be like him in order to secretly impress Julia ("All About the Green"). Later, Julia and Holly recall the events of the night before and Julia begins to question if rich men are truly better people ("Someday"(Reprise)). Sammy arrives and tries to woo Holly, but is given the cold shoulder, but Holly can't help but feel that despite his flaws, there is no other man who could replace Sammy ("Right in front of your Eyes").Later in the evening, a "Glenified" Robbie finds Julia at his doorstep and tries to woo her. When that doesn’t work, he accuses her of marrying Glen for his material possessions. Julia is stung and walks away from Robbie, throwing a present in his face: personalized blank sheet music. After all, Julia truly cares about Robbie and wants him to sing at weddings again, especially her wedding.
Robbie realizes what he's done and drinks his sorrows away at a local bar ("All About the Green" (Reprise)). Sammy and George go to the bar and try to convince Robbie that staying "Single" is the right thing to do. Inadvertently, Sammy and George end up persuading Robbie into going to Julia's house to tell her how he really feels. Robbie looks into Julia's window and sees her trying on her wedding dress and smiling at her reflection. He thinks it's because she's marrying Glen, but Julia is smiling only because she's imagining being Mrs. Robbie Hart ("If I Told You"). Robbie goes home drunk and dazed only to find Linda in his bed, wanting him back ("Let Me Come Home"). Before she can fully apologize Robbie falls into a deep slumber.
The next day Julia goes to Robbie's house to tell him how she really feels, only to find Linda instead. This scares Julia into eloping with Glen to Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Robbie wakes up and promptly kicks Linda (the "psycho") out. At his Grandma Rosie's 50th anniversary party, Robbie finds out from Holly what happened to Julia. Only then do Robbie and Julia realize that they may never see each other again, and they may never get to tell each other what’s on their minds ("If I Told You" (Reprise)).
With urging from his grandmother and Sammy, Robbie goes to the airport and gets on the next plane to Vegas ("Move That Thang"). With the help of a group of Vegas impersonators (Billy Idol, Ronald Reagan, Tina Turner, Mr. T and many others), Robbie crashes Julia's and Glen's wedding at the Little White House Chapel and sings his new song to Julia ("Grow Old With You"). Glen is outraged that Robbie and Julia still have feelings for each other and blurts out that he cheated on Julia with hundreds of women. Upon hearing this, the impersonators beat Glen up, and Robbie proposes to Julia. She says yes, on one condition: "Will you sing at my wedding?" The answer is a resounding "Yes!" Later, Mr. and Mrs. Robbie Hart are wed ("It’s Your Wedding Day" (Finale)).
at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre
on April 27, 2006 and closed on December 31, 2006 after 284 performances. It was directed by John Rando
, with choreography by Rob Ashford
, and featured Stephen Lynch
as Robbie.
Tours
A US tour began on August 31, 2007, lasting through June 2008.
The 2nd National tour opened on September 28, 2009 in Fayetteville
, Arkansas at the Walton Arts Center. It continued until March 28, 2010, ending in New Haven, Connecticut at the Shubert Theatre, having traveled throughout the US and Canada. This production was produced by Prather Entertainment Group and directed by Seth Reines, with choreography by Amy McCleary.
International
A Swedish production opened in Karlstad
on September 1, 2007.
El Rey de Bodas, the Spanish-language version, which translates into "The King of Weddings", opened in Madrid on November 14, 2007 starring Naim Thomas as Robbie, María Virumbrales as Julia and María Adamuz as Holly .
A UK tour opened at the Manchester Palace Theatre
in February 2008 starring Jonathan Wilkes
and Natalie Casey
, and toured the UK through July 2008.
The Japanese version opened in Tokyo at the Nissay Theatre
on February 6, 2008, and other foreign productions are scheduled for Finland, Germany, Australia, South Korea and the Philippines.
The South Australian premiere opened on July 9, 2008 at the Arts Theatre, Adelaide
, presented by Matt Byrne Media. The Queensland, Australia, premiere opened February 13, 2009 (after Previews) at the Spotlight Theatre, Gold Coast. Directed by Priscilla Scott, the show stars Marc Lister and Kirby Lunn, with Stewart Reeve, Steven Dorrington and Shirley King. The four week season closed March 14, 2009.
The Philippine production opened at the Meralco Theater
on October 23, 2010 and ran until November 17, 2010. The show is led by television personalities Gian Magdangal
of Party Pilipinas
and Iya Villania
of ASAP XV.
The first production in the German language played at Theater im Neukloster in Wiener Neustadt
, Austria
from May 15, 2011 to June 5, 2011.
Though it was not a professional tour performed by a Broadway cast, a Canadian school in Regina, Saskatchewan gave the production a shot. Sheldon-Williams Collegiate performed in November of 2010 and was the 4th School in Canada to put on the show. The cast consisted of students from grade 9-12.
http://www.jackfmregina.com/taxonomy/term/6?page=29
http://lcaregina.ca/sheldon-w/
film of the same title which starred Adam Sandler
opposite Drew Barrymore
. However, some plot and character elements were indeed altered. For instance:
Act II
Note (@): The song "Pop!" was removed for the US National tour because the set pieces for the song were too big. With this plot change, Glen proposes to Julia over the phone instead of at the restaurant in "Pop!"
, in his review for The New York Times
, wrote "the show has at least a flutter of a hedonist's pulse. And if its formulaic catering to an established public appetite feels cynical, the cast members exude earnestness and good nature. They are a personable enough lot, which is not the same as saying that they have personality. For, as so often happens when good (or even not-so-good) films turn into stage shows, the first things to be jettisoned are sharp edges and authentically quirky characters." He further noted "wispy" plot, Mr. Sklar's "pastiche score", and that "Rob Ashford's choreography is replete with literal-minded tributes to 1980's music videos for era-defining songs like 'Thriller,' 'Material Girl' and 'Flashdance.'"
The Variety reviewer wrote that "Forced as it is, this is a fizzy confection offering enough easy enjoyment to attract the outer boroughs and the tourist trade. It's also derivative by design, to some extent making a virtue of its inherent phoniness via winking acknowledgement. Where the 1998 film ended with a scene featuring '80s icon Billy Idol, the stage adaptation corrals not only an Idol impersonator but a fake Tina Turner, Imelda Marcos, Cyndi Lauper, Mr. T and Ronald Reagan. Retro overkill is a distinct risk here, but one mainstream auds are unlikely to mind."
Musical theatre
Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. The emotional content of the piece – humor, pathos, love, anger – as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an...
with music by Matthew Sklar
Matthew Sklar
Matthew Sklar is a Broadway composer. He was nominated for the 2006 Tony Award for Best Original Score for the musical The Wedding Singer for which he wrote the music and Chad Beguelin wrote the lyrics...
, lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Chad Beguelin
Chad Beguelin is an American playwright who wrote the lyrics and co-book for the Broadway musical The Wedding Singer. He was nominated for two Tony Awards for his work on the musical, as well as a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics...
, and a book by Chad Beguelin
Chad Beguelin
Chad Beguelin is an American playwright who wrote the lyrics and co-book for the Broadway musical The Wedding Singer. He was nominated for two Tony Awards for his work on the musical, as well as a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics...
and Tim Herlihy
Tim Herlihy
Tim Herlihy is an American screen actor, film producer, screenwriter, and Broadway show author.Herlihy was born in Brooklyn, New York and is a graduate of the New York University School of Law. He frequently collaborates with Adam Sandler...
. It is based on the 1998 film The Wedding Singer
The Wedding Singer
The Wedding Singer is a 1998 romantic comedy film written by Tim Herlihy and directed by Frank Coraci. It stars Adam Sandler as a wedding singer in the 1980s and Drew Barrymore as a waitress with whom he falls in love....
.
Synopsis
Act 1Robbie Hart, a wedding singer, lives with his Grandma Rosie in Ridgefield, New Jersey. He and his band play a great wedding gig ("It’s Your Wedding Day"). During his usual "warm-up-the-crowd routine," Robbie proudly announces that he will be married to his beloved fiancée Linda the next day. After the wedding gig that night, Robbie tries to write a sweet (eventually corny) love song to Linda, with help from his waitress friend, Julia Sullivan, whom he had just met during the previous wedding ("Awesome"). The following day, however, Linda dumps Robbie at the altar, with only a note ("A Note from Linda"). Meanwhile, an anxious Julia goes out to dinner with her boyfriend, Glen Guglia, hoping he will pop the question, which he does ("Pop!").
Robbie falls into a deep depression ("Somebody Kill Me Please"), but is urged by his bandmates Sammy and George, and even his grandmother ("A Note from Grandma"), to use that intense emotion to get back on his feet. However, the angry Robbie does nothing but enrage the guests at the next wedding gig ("Casualty of Love"), and he is soon thrown into the dumpster by the bridal party. With some convincing from his friend Julia, Robbie does "Come Out of the Dumpster", but changes his singing gigs strictly to bar mitzvahs ("Today You Are a Man"). After the Shapiro bar mitzvah ("George’s Prayer"), Julia convinces Robbie to help her register for her wedding, as her fiancé Glen is, as usual, busy with business-related affairs ("Not That Kind of Thing").
While at the mall, Robbie and Julia meet up with Julia's cousin and best friend Holly, who convinces the "faux duo" that Julia needs to practice her wedding kiss. Robbie and Julia awkwardly–and lovingly– kiss, only to be interrupted by the reality that Julia is marrying Glen. After seeing the kiss, Holly decides that she should go out with Robbie. Julia, still shocked by the kiss, hastily agrees with Holly. Much later that night, Robbie, Holly, Julia, Glen, Sammy, and George go to a club in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
("Saturday Night in the City"). Here Robbie finally realizes that Glen is a cheater and that he, Robbie, loves Julia. Holly realizes this too and tells Robbie that Julia is marrying Glen because of his money and security. Upon hearing this, Robbie exclaims, "Maybe I could change!"
Act 2
The next morning, Robbie visits Glen at his Wall Street
Wall Street
Wall Street refers to the financial district of New York City, named after and centered on the eight-block-long street running from Broadway to South Street on the East River in Lower Manhattan. Over time, the term has become a metonym for the financial markets of the United States as a whole, or...
office to get a job and learn how to be like him in order to secretly impress Julia ("All About the Green"). Later, Julia and Holly recall the events of the night before and Julia begins to question if rich men are truly better people ("Someday"(Reprise)). Sammy arrives and tries to woo Holly, but is given the cold shoulder, but Holly can't help but feel that despite his flaws, there is no other man who could replace Sammy ("Right in front of your Eyes").Later in the evening, a "Glenified" Robbie finds Julia at his doorstep and tries to woo her. When that doesn’t work, he accuses her of marrying Glen for his material possessions. Julia is stung and walks away from Robbie, throwing a present in his face: personalized blank sheet music. After all, Julia truly cares about Robbie and wants him to sing at weddings again, especially her wedding.
Robbie realizes what he's done and drinks his sorrows away at a local bar ("All About the Green" (Reprise)). Sammy and George go to the bar and try to convince Robbie that staying "Single" is the right thing to do. Inadvertently, Sammy and George end up persuading Robbie into going to Julia's house to tell her how he really feels. Robbie looks into Julia's window and sees her trying on her wedding dress and smiling at her reflection. He thinks it's because she's marrying Glen, but Julia is smiling only because she's imagining being Mrs. Robbie Hart ("If I Told You"). Robbie goes home drunk and dazed only to find Linda in his bed, wanting him back ("Let Me Come Home"). Before she can fully apologize Robbie falls into a deep slumber.
The next day Julia goes to Robbie's house to tell him how she really feels, only to find Linda instead. This scares Julia into eloping with Glen to Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Robbie wakes up and promptly kicks Linda (the "psycho") out. At his Grandma Rosie's 50th anniversary party, Robbie finds out from Holly what happened to Julia. Only then do Robbie and Julia realize that they may never see each other again, and they may never get to tell each other what’s on their minds ("If I Told You" (Reprise)).
With urging from his grandmother and Sammy, Robbie goes to the airport and gets on the next plane to Vegas ("Move That Thang"). With the help of a group of Vegas impersonators (Billy Idol, Ronald Reagan, Tina Turner, Mr. T and many others), Robbie crashes Julia's and Glen's wedding at the Little White House Chapel and sings his new song to Julia ("Grow Old With You"). Glen is outraged that Robbie and Julia still have feelings for each other and blurts out that he cheated on Julia with hundreds of women. Upon hearing this, the impersonators beat Glen up, and Robbie proposes to Julia. She says yes, on one condition: "Will you sing at my wedding?" The answer is a resounding "Yes!" Later, Mr. and Mrs. Robbie Hart are wed ("It’s Your Wedding Day" (Finale)).
Productions
The musical opened on BroadwayBroadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre
Al Hirschfeld Theatre
The Al Hirschfeld Theatre is a legitimate Broadway theatre located at 302 West 45th Street in midtown-Manhattan.Designed by architect G. Albert Lansburgh for vaudeville promoter Martin Beck, the theatre opened as the Martin Beck Theatre with a production of Madame Pompadour on November 11, 1924. It...
on April 27, 2006 and closed on December 31, 2006 after 284 performances. It was directed by John Rando
John Rando
John Rando is an American stage director, winning the Tony Award for his direction of the musical Urinetown in 2002.-Stage productions:* 1994 Broken Glass * 2000 The Dinner Party* 2001 A Thousand Clowns...
, with choreography by Rob Ashford
Rob Ashford
Rob Ashford is an American choreographer and director. He is a seven-time Tony Award nominee , five-time Olivier Award nominee, Emmy Award winner, Drama Desk winner, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner.-Biography:...
, and featured Stephen Lynch
Stephen Lynch (musician)
Stephen Andrew Lynch , is an American stand-up comedian, musician and Tony Award-nominated actor who is known for his songs mocking daily life and popular culture. Lynch has released two studio albums and two live albums along with a live DVD...
as Robbie.
Tours
A US tour began on August 31, 2007, lasting through June 2008.
The 2nd National tour opened on September 28, 2009 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
Fayetteville is the name of a number of places in the United States of America. Many are named for General Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, a French officer who fought under General George Washington in the American Revolutionary War....
, Arkansas at the Walton Arts Center. It continued until March 28, 2010, ending in New Haven, Connecticut at the Shubert Theatre, having traveled throughout the US and Canada. This production was produced by Prather Entertainment Group and directed by Seth Reines, with choreography by Amy McCleary.
International
A Swedish production opened in Karlstad
Karlstad
Karlstad is a city, the seat of Karlstad Municipality, the capital of Värmland County, and the largest city in the province Värmland in Sweden. The city had 61,685 inhabitants in 2010 out of a municipal total that during the first quarter 2010 was 84,885 inhabitants...
on September 1, 2007.
El Rey de Bodas, the Spanish-language version, which translates into "The King of Weddings", opened in Madrid on November 14, 2007 starring Naim Thomas as Robbie, María Virumbrales as Julia and María Adamuz as Holly .
A UK tour opened at the Manchester Palace Theatre
Palace Theatre, Manchester
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, is one of the main theatres in Manchester, England. It is situated on Oxford Street, on the north-east corner of the intersection with Whitworth Street. The Palace and its 'sister' theatre the Manchester Opera House on Quay Street are operated by the same parent...
in February 2008 starring Jonathan Wilkes
Jonathan Wilkes
Jonathan Wilkes is an English television presenter, actor and musician. Jonny Wilkes is currently performing as Billy Flynn in Chicago at The Cambridge Theatre, London. He is also the best friend of singer Robbie Williams...
and Natalie Casey
Natalie Casey
Natalie Casey is an English actress, television presenter and singer. She is best known for her long running roles playing Carol Groves in the TV series Hollyoaks from 1995 to 2000 and playing Donna Henshaw in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps from 2001 to 2011...
, and toured the UK through July 2008.
The Japanese version opened in Tokyo at the Nissay Theatre
Nissay Theatre
The is a theatre in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. Originally constructed in 1963, it has staged various program of musicals and operas....
on February 6, 2008, and other foreign productions are scheduled for Finland, Germany, Australia, South Korea and the Philippines.
The South Australian premiere opened on July 9, 2008 at the Arts Theatre, Adelaide
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
, presented by Matt Byrne Media. The Queensland, Australia, premiere opened February 13, 2009 (after Previews) at the Spotlight Theatre, Gold Coast. Directed by Priscilla Scott, the show stars Marc Lister and Kirby Lunn, with Stewart Reeve, Steven Dorrington and Shirley King. The four week season closed March 14, 2009.
The Philippine production opened at the Meralco Theater
Meralco Theater
Meralco Theater is a theater on Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City, Philippines. It was previously known as the Meralco Auditorium.It seats over 1,000 people.-Current Tenants:*Sunday Mass ServiceCurrent Events...
on October 23, 2010 and ran until November 17, 2010. The show is led by television personalities Gian Magdangal
Gian Magdangal
Giancarlo "Gian" Alzate Magdangal , is a Filipino singer, performer, and theater actor currently signed to GMA Network. A former boy band member of 17:28, he rose to prominence as one of the runners-up of Philippine Idol in 2006...
of Party Pilipinas
Party Pilipinas
Party Pilipinas is a Philippine music variety show broadcasted by GMA Network. The show premiered on 28 March 2010 - replacing the defunct SOP Fully Charged. It also broadcasts worldwide through GMA Pinoy TV.Each week, two teams alternate to give the audience a variety in theme and concepts.Direk...
and Iya Villania
Iya Villania
Raelene Elaine Ebaler Villanía , better known as Iya Villania, is a Filipino-Australian actress, host, singer, dancer, and model. She has hosted on TV shows like ASAP Mania, Us Girls and as a VJ for MYX music channel.-Early life:Villanía was born in Camperdown, Australia but grew up in Sydney...
of ASAP XV.
The first production in the German language played at Theater im Neukloster in Wiener Neustadt
Wiener Neustadt
-Main sights:* The Late-Romanesque Dom, consecrated in 1279 and cathedral from 1469 to 1785. The choir and transept, in Gothic style, are from the 14th century. In the late 15th century 12 statues of the Apostles were added in the apse, while the bust of Cardinal Melchior Klesl is attributed to...
, Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
from May 15, 2011 to June 5, 2011.
Though it was not a professional tour performed by a Broadway cast, a Canadian school in Regina, Saskatchewan gave the production a shot. Sheldon-Williams Collegiate performed in November of 2010 and was the 4th School in Canada to put on the show. The cast consisted of students from grade 9-12.
http://www.jackfmregina.com/taxonomy/term/6?page=29
http://lcaregina.ca/sheldon-w/
Differences from the film
The musical largely follows the same storyline as the 19981998 in film
-Events:* February 14 - Sharon Stone marries Phil Bronstein.* Former child star Gary Coleman is charged with assaulting a young female bus driver at a California shopping mall.-Top grossing films:...
film of the same title which starred Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler
Adam Richard Sandler is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, musician, and film producer.After becoming a Saturday Night Live cast member, Sandler went on to star in several Hollywood feature films that grossed over $100 million at the box office...
opposite Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore
Drew Blyth Barrymore is an American actress, film director, screenwriter, producer and model. She is a member of the Barrymore family of American actors and granddaughter of John Barrymore. She first appeared in an advertisement when she was 11 months old. Barrymore made her film debut in Altered...
. However, some plot and character elements were indeed altered. For instance:
- In the movie, Linda does not show up to the wedding. She later visits Robbie on his doorstep and dumps him. In the musical she does show up to the wedding and dumps him via letter (ghost appearance).
- The older woman to whom the lead character Robbie Hart gives singing lessons, portrayed in the film by Ellen Albertini DowEllen Albertini DowEllen Albertini Dow is an American character actress. She often portrays feisty old ladies and is perhaps best known as the rapping grandmother who performs in the feature film The Wedding Singer...
, is changed into his own grandmother for the musical.
- Robbie ruins the wedding before playing "Somebody Kill Me" in the movie.
- Robbie's friend Sammy, portrayed by Allen CovertAllen CovertAllen Stephen Covert is an American comedian, actor, writer, and producer best known for his frequent collaborations with actor Adam Sandler.-Personal life:...
in the film, is a member of Robbie's band in the musical, while he was a limousine driver in the movie. His character's personality was also changed to give it more "white trashWhite trashWhite trash is an American English pejorative term referring to poor white people in the United States, suggesting lower social class and degraded living standards...
" elements as compared to the film version.
- Julia's cousin Holly and Robbie's friend Sammy are shown to be broken up from a relationship, though they still love each other. In the movie, the two know each other but there is no mention of a relationship between the two until the end, where they lightly flirt.
- When Robbie goes to the city to seek out gainful employment, in the musical he turns to Julia's fiancé Glen (his rival for her affections), rather than an unrelated bank as in the film.
- In both versions, Julia, Glen, and Robbie board airplanes to Las Vegas. However, in the movie they are on the same plane and Robbie proposes to Julia on the plane, while in the musical they arrive in Las Vegas and Robbie only intercepts Julia just as she and Glen are about to be married.
- In the movie, Billy Idol is the actual Billy Idol playing himself. In the musical, "Billy Idol" is one of the Vegas impersonators that helps Robbie crash the wedding and subdue Glen.
Songs
Act I- It's Your Wedding Day - Robbie and Company
- Someday - Julia and Company
- Awesome - Robbie and Julia
- Someday (Robbie's Reprise) - Robbie
- A Note From Linda - Linda
- It's Your Wedding Day (Reprise) - Robbie
- Pop! - Holly, Julia, Glen and Company @
- Somebody Kill Me (Music and Lyrics By Tim Herlihy and Adam SandlerAdam SandlerAdam Richard Sandler is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, musician, and film producer.After becoming a Saturday Night Live cast member, Sandler went on to star in several Hollywood feature films that grossed over $100 million at the box office...
) - Robbie - A Note From Grandma - Grandma Rosie
- Casualty of Love - Robbie, Losers and Company
- Come Out of the Dumpster - Julia and Robbie
- Today You Are a Man - Sammy, George, and Robbie
- George's Prayer - George
- Not That Kind of Thing - Robbie, Julia, Clerk, Crystal, Mookie and Company
- Saturday Night in the City - Holly, Robbie, Julia, Glen, Sammy, George and Full Company
Act II
- Entr'acte
- All About the Green - Glen, Robbie and Suits
- Someday (Julia's Reprise) - Julia
- Right in Front of Your Eyes - Holly, Sammy
- All About the Green (Reprise) - Robbie, Ricky and Bum
- Single - Sammy, George, Ricky, Bum, Robbie and Company
- If I Told You - Robbie and Julia
- Let Me Come Home - Linda
- If I Told You (Reprise) - Robbie and Julia
- Move That Thang - Grandma Rosie, George and Company
- Grow Old With You (Music and Lyrics By Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy) - Robbie and Julia
- It's Your Wedding Day (Finale) - Full Company
Note (@): The song "Pop!" was removed for the US National tour because the set pieces for the song were too big. With this plot change, Glen proposes to Julia over the phone instead of at the restaurant in "Pop!"
Original Broadway cast
- Stephen LynchStephen Lynch (musician)Stephen Andrew Lynch , is an American stand-up comedian, musician and Tony Award-nominated actor who is known for his songs mocking daily life and popular culture. Lynch has released two studio albums and two live albums along with a live DVD...
as Robbie Hart - Matthew Saldivar as Sammy
- Kevin CahoonKevin CahoonKevin Cahoon is an American actor/singer/songwriter, born in Houston, Texas.-Child performer:Cahoon began his performing career at the age of 5 as 'The World's Youngest Rodeo Clown', performing throughout the Texas and Oklahoma Rodeo Circuits, including many consecutive seasons at The Houston...
as George - Laura BenantiLaura BenantiLaura Benanti is an American actress of television, film and Broadway theatre noted for her award winning performance as Louise in the 2008 production of Gypsy.-Early years:...
as Julia Sullivan - Amy SpangerAmy Spanger-Biography:A graduate of Triton Regional High School in Byfield, Massachusetts, Spanger made her Broadway debut in 1995 in the musical Sunset Boulevard, following a half-year run in the pre-Broadway national tour of Jekyll & Hyde...
as Holly - Richard H. BlakeRichard H. BlakeRichard H. Blake is an American musical actor.One of his earliest stints on Broadway was taking over the role of Roger Davis in Rent. In 2001, Richard Blake took over the role of Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever, a musical adaptation of the film of the same name, having previously starred in...
as Glen Guglia - Rita GardnerRita GardnerRita Gardner is an American actress and singer.Gardner made her stage debut as Luisa in the original cast of The Fantasticks in 1960. Additional off-Broadway credits include The Cradle Will Rock , To Be Young, Gifted, and Black , Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris , Steel Magnolias...
as Rosie - Felicia Finley as Linda
- Constantine MaroulisConstantine MaroulisConstantine James Maroulis is an American rock singer, actor, and writer from Wyckoff, New Jersey. He was the sixth-place finalist on the fourth season of the reality television series American Idol, and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Pray for the Soul of Betty...
replaced Matthew Saldivar as Sammy September through December 2006. Saldivar then returned to close the show after Maroulis's departure.
Original UK Tour cast
- Jonathan WilkesJonathan WilkesJonathan Wilkes is an English television presenter, actor and musician. Jonny Wilkes is currently performing as Billy Flynn in Chicago at The Cambridge Theatre, London. He is also the best friend of singer Robbie Williams...
as Robbie Hart - Simon Lipkin as Sammy
- Natalie CaseyNatalie CaseyNatalie Casey is an English actress, television presenter and singer. She is best known for her long running roles playing Carol Groves in the TV series Hollyoaks from 1995 to 2000 and playing Donna Henshaw in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps from 2001 to 2011...
as Julia Sullivan - Nick Hayes as George
- Jodie Jacobs as Holly
- Stephen Webb as Glen
- Tricia Deighton as Rosie
- Camille Devine as Linda
- Carys Gray as Angie
2009-2010 US Tour Original Cast
- J. Michael Zygo as Robbie Hart
- Adam Clough as Sammy
- Ben Martin as George
- Jillian Zygo as Julia Sullivan
- Kaitlin Doughty as Holly
- Brendan Schaefer as Glen Guglia
- Ellen Karsten as Rosie
- April Monte as Linda
- Ashtia Jewell as Angie
Original Canadian Cast
- Matthew Campbell as Robbie Hart
- Kraig Waye as Sammy
- Andrew McGillivray as George
- Erica Peck as Julia Sullivan
- Rachel Fischer as Holly
- Sean Andrews as Glen Guglia
- Karen Wood as Rosie
- Kristen Peace as Linda
- Marianne McCord as Angie
- NOTE regarding all tour casts: These were the original actors for the main roles, but during the tours, some actors were replaced temporarily or permanentlyUnderstudyIn theater, an understudy is a performer who learns the lines and blocking/choreography of a regular actor or actress in a play. Should the regular actor or actress be unable to appear on stage because of illness or emergencies, the understudy takes over the part...
, due to medical leave or scheduling/contract conflicts.
Reception
Ben BrantleyBen Brantley
Benjamin D. "Ben" Brantley is an American journalist and the chief theater critic of The New York Times.-Life and career:...
, in his review for The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
, wrote "the show has at least a flutter of a hedonist's pulse. And if its formulaic catering to an established public appetite feels cynical, the cast members exude earnestness and good nature. They are a personable enough lot, which is not the same as saying that they have personality. For, as so often happens when good (or even not-so-good) films turn into stage shows, the first things to be jettisoned are sharp edges and authentically quirky characters." He further noted "wispy" plot, Mr. Sklar's "pastiche score", and that "Rob Ashford's choreography is replete with literal-minded tributes to 1980's music videos for era-defining songs like 'Thriller,' 'Material Girl' and 'Flashdance.'"
The Variety reviewer wrote that "Forced as it is, this is a fizzy confection offering enough easy enjoyment to attract the outer boroughs and the tourist trade. It's also derivative by design, to some extent making a virtue of its inherent phoniness via winking acknowledgement. Where the 1998 film ended with a scene featuring '80s icon Billy Idol, the stage adaptation corrals not only an Idol impersonator but a fake Tina Turner, Imelda Marcos, Cyndi Lauper, Mr. T and Ronald Reagan. Retro overkill is a distinct risk here, but one mainstream auds are unlikely to mind."
Original Broadway production
| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Drama Desk Award Drama Desk Award The Drama Desk Awards, which are given annually in a number of categories, are the only major New York theater honors for which productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway compete against each other in the same category... |
Outstanding Musical Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical The Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical was first awarded at the 1974-1975 Drama Desk Awards and has been awarded every year since. Before the 21st Drama Desk Awards, acting awards were given without making distinctions between roles in straight dramas as opposed to musicals, nor were there... |
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| Outstanding Actor in a Musical Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical The Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical was first awarded at the 1974-1975 Drama Desk Awards and has been awarded every year since... |
Stephen Lynch Stephen Lynch (musician) Stephen Andrew Lynch , is an American stand-up comedian, musician and Tony Award-nominated actor who is known for his songs mocking daily life and popular culture. Lynch has released two studio albums and two live albums along with a live DVD... |
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| Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical The Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical was first awarded in the 1974-1975 Drama Desk Awards and has subsequently been awarded every year. In the 1993-1994 Drama Desk Awards the award was given under the name of Outstanding Supporting Actress - Musical... |
Amy Spanger Amy Spanger -Biography:A graduate of Triton Regional High School in Byfield, Massachusetts, Spanger made her Broadway debut in 1995 in the musical Sunset Boulevard, following a half-year run in the pre-Broadway national tour of Jekyll & Hyde... |
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| Outstanding Choreography Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography -1970s:* 1970: Ron Field – Applause** No nominees* 1971: Michael Bennett – Follies and Donald Saddler – No, No, Nanette** No nominees* 1972: Patricia Birch – Grease and Jean Erdman – Two Gentlemen of Verona... |
Rob Ashford Rob Ashford Rob Ashford is an American choreographer and director. He is a seven-time Tony Award nominee , five-time Olivier Award nominee, Emmy Award winner, Drama Desk winner, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner.-Biography:... |
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| Outstanding Lyrics Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics The Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics is an annual award presented by the Drama Desk, a committee of New York City theatre critics, writers, and editors... |
Chad Beguelin Chad Beguelin Chad Beguelin is an American playwright who wrote the lyrics and co-book for the Broadway musical The Wedding Singer. He was nominated for two Tony Awards for his work on the musical, as well as a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics... |
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| Outstanding Music Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music The Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music is an annual award presented by the Drama Desk, a committee comprising New York City theatre critics, writers, and editors... |
Matthew Sklar Matthew Sklar Matthew Sklar is a Broadway composer. He was nominated for the 2006 Tony Award for Best Original Score for the musical The Wedding Singer for which he wrote the music and Chad Beguelin wrote the lyrics... |
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| Outstanding Set Design Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Set Design The Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Set Design is presented by the Drama Desk, a committee composed of New York City theatre critics, writers, and editors... |
Scott Pask Scott Pask Scott Pask is an American scenic designer. He has worked primarily on stage productions in the United States, on Broadway and Off-Broadway, and in regional theatre, as well as in the United Kingdom... |
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| Outstanding Costume Design Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costume Design The Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costume Design is presented by the Drama Desk, a committee of New York City theatre critics, writers, and editors... |
Gregory Gale Gregory Gale -Career:Gale is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and is well known for his character-driven designs. In 2008, Gale was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Costume Design of a Play for his work on Cyrano de Bergerac... |
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| Drama League Award Drama League Award The Drama League Awards, created in 1935, honor distinguished productions and performances both on Broadway and Off-Broadway, in addition to recognizing exemplary career achievements in theatre, musical theatre, and directing... |
Distinguished Production of a Musical | |||
| Distinguished Performance | Felicia Finley | |||
| Stephen Lynch Stephen Lynch (musician) Stephen Andrew Lynch , is an American stand-up comedian, musician and Tony Award-nominated actor who is known for his songs mocking daily life and popular culture. Lynch has released two studio albums and two live albums along with a live DVD... |
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| Tony Award Tony Award The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway... |
Best Musical Tony Award for Best Musical This is a list of winners and nominations for the Tony Award for Best Musical, first awarded in 1949. This award is presented to the producers of the musical.-1940s:* 1949: Kiss Me, Kate – Music and lyrics by Cole Porter, book by Samuel and Bella Spewack... |
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| Best Book of a Musical Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical The Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical is awarded to librettists of the spoken, non-sung dialogue, and storyline of a musical play. Eligibility is restricted to works with original narrative framework; plotless revues and revivals are ineligible... |
Chad Beguelin Chad Beguelin Chad Beguelin is an American playwright who wrote the lyrics and co-book for the Broadway musical The Wedding Singer. He was nominated for two Tony Awards for his work on the musical, as well as a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics... and Tim Herlihy Tim Herlihy Tim Herlihy is an American screen actor, film producer, screenwriter, and Broadway show author.Herlihy was born in Brooklyn, New York and is a graduate of the New York University School of Law. He frequently collaborates with Adam Sandler... |
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| Best Original Score Tony Award for Best Original Score The Tony Award for Best Original Score is the Tony Award given to the composers and lyricists of the best original score written for a musical in that year. The score consists of music and lyrics... |
Matthew Sklar Matthew Sklar Matthew Sklar is a Broadway composer. He was nominated for the 2006 Tony Award for Best Original Score for the musical The Wedding Singer for which he wrote the music and Chad Beguelin wrote the lyrics... and Chad Beguelin Chad Beguelin Chad Beguelin is an American playwright who wrote the lyrics and co-book for the Broadway musical The Wedding Singer. He was nominated for two Tony Awards for his work on the musical, as well as a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics... |
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| Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical The Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical is awarded to the actor who was voted as the best actor in a musical play, whether a new production or a revival... |
Stephen Lynch Stephen Lynch (musician) Stephen Andrew Lynch , is an American stand-up comedian, musician and Tony Award-nominated actor who is known for his songs mocking daily life and popular culture. Lynch has released two studio albums and two live albums along with a live DVD... |
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| Best Choreography Tony Award for Best Choreography -1940s:* 1947: Agnes de Mille – Brigadoon / Michael Kidd – Finian's Rainbow* 1948: Jerome Robbins – High Button Shoes* 1949: Gower Champion – Lend An Ear-1950s:* 1950: Helen Tamiris – Touch and Go* 1951: Michael Kidd – Guys and Dolls... |
Rob Ashford Rob Ashford Rob Ashford is an American choreographer and director. He is a seven-time Tony Award nominee , five-time Olivier Award nominee, Emmy Award winner, Drama Desk winner, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner.-Biography:... |
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