“When I got the role of Robbie I heard, ‘Cool, you’re Adam Sandler!” said senior Kris Paxitzis, who plays the musical’s leading man. “So, there is a little pressure to be funny and for us to be entertaining.”
Still, the seniors in the production believe the 38 students are up to the task.
“I think the musical is better, really,” said senior Josh Hawthorn, who plays Donnie, one of Robbie’s bandmates and friends. “It’s like it takes all the best parts of the movie and adds to it with the music.”
Directors Amy Brannon and Brandi Robertson said “The Wedding Singer” is a little more sophisticated than previous musicals, which has stretched the cast to adjust to a different type of humor and subject matter than more traditional shows. On the lighter side, Brannon and Robertson said they have had a great time explaining many of the 1980s-era music and cultural references to the cast, as well as seeing the era of big hair and neon colors make a comeback on the stage.
“Costuming this show has been a dream because we have moms and teachers who are donating their prom and wedding dresses from the ’80s,” Robertson said. “What we haven’t found there, we’ve been able to find in thrift stores. It’s totally authentic, and it looks fabulous!”
The cast has overcome many challenges to bring the show to Madison High School. School cancellations due to snow, rehearsal postponements due to two successful basketball teams and schedule changes due to concert band practice have pushed things back a little more than anticipated.
“The kids are a little nervous because of all the delays, but we will be ready and we are so excited to do this show,” Robertson said. “We will be ready!”
“The Wedding Singer” will run at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, and Saturday, March 27, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee performance Sunday, March 28. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or mrossiter@coxohio.com.
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