The Wedding Singer now on stage

When I watched The Wedding Singer some weeks ago, (I didn’t catch its theatrical run in 1998), I was easily transported to the ’80s. It stars Adam Sandler as the wedding singer and Drew Barrymore as a waitress whom he falls in love with. What makes the movie memorable, aside from Drew and Adam delivering great performances, was the music. Who could ever forget Boy George’s Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, David Bowie’s China Girl, the Police’s Every Little She Does Is Magic, Spandau Ballet’s True, Huey Lewis and the News’ Do You Believe In Love, Hall and Oates’ You Make My Dreams, Wham’s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Madonna’s Holiday, etc.

The Wedding Singer was one of the big hits of the ’90s. In 2006, a musical version made its debut on Broadway.

Several weeks ago, 9 Works Theatrical held auditions for its own production of The Wedding Singer. Theater aficionados came in droves to audition for parts in the musical. They belted out popular ’80s tunes. Hopefuls sang a varied repertoire ranging from Total Eclipse of the Heart and Karma Chameleon to Let’s Hear It For the Boys. They also performed to an ’80s stylized and inspired choreography by choreographer Francis Matheu.

Over a hundred contenders tried out for slots in the select cast of 28 which includes select chorus members who will play impersonators of notable characters from the ’80s.

The panel of judges was composed of The Wedding Singer director Robbie Guevara (Songs for a New World, Rent), vocal coach Onyl Torres, choreographer Francis Matheu, PR and Publicity director Toff de Venecia and executive producer Santi Santamaria.

After a thorough deliberation, 9 Works Theatrical has chosen Gian Magdangal in the lead role as Robbie Hart, Iya Villania alternating with Shiela Valderrama-Martinez as the waitress Julia Sullivan, Nikki Valdez alternating with Analin Bantug as Holly (Julia’s bubbly, uninhibited and lovable cousin).

Completing the stellar cast are actors Jeremy Aguado as Julia’s fiance Glen Guglia, Lorenz Martinez as Robbie’s pal Sammy, Johann dela Fuente as Robbie’s flamboyantly eccentric friend George, Myrene Santos as Linda and Enchang Kaimo as Rosie (Robbie’s feisty grandmother).

The Wedding Singer is also the reason that inspired executive producer Santi Santamaria and artistic director Robbie Guevara to establish their theater company, 9 Works Theatrical.

“When we first encountered the material, we knew that we had to do it,” relates Robbie.

Santi adds, “Wedding Singer is a crazy and energetic musical, and audiences will surely enjoy.”

Wedding Singer, the Tony nominated musical, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy, captured the hearts of audiences all over America with its mind-blowing tribute to the ’80s, its hilariously written script, and songs like Someday, If I Told You, and the phenomenal hit Grow Old With You.

Also joining the cast are Arnold Trinidad, Bym Buhain, Chinie Nepomuceno, Francis Matheu, Harold Cruz, Ikey Canoy, James Stacey, Jenny Villegas, Jonjon Martin, Luau Sablan, Mark Tayag, Mian Dimacali, Miguel Vasquez, Nikki Guevara, Peachy Atilano, Sab Jose, Shelyn Tayanes and Sylveth Ong-iko.

The artistic production team includes musical director Rodel Colmenar conducting the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, choreographer Francis Matheu, vocal coach Onyl Torres, scenographer Mio Infante, lighting designer Martin Esteva, sound designer Chuck Ledesma, and costume stylist Rosanna Aranaz.

The production team is composed of executive producer Santi Santamaria, production manager Sunshine Domine, technical director Paul Domine, PR and publicity consultant Toots Tolentino, PR director Christopher de Venecia, PR manager Jonjon Martin, marketing manager Shelyn Tayanes, stage manager Lambert de Jesus, company manager Anna Santamaria and photography by Revolution.

The show is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), 421 West 54th Street, New York, New York 10019 - tel.: (212) 541-4684.

(The Wedding Singer will open at the Meralco Theater on Oct. 23 and will run until Nov 17, with the Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows at 8 p.m., Saturday matinees at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m. For details, call 586.71.05, 557.58.60, 0917.554.5560, or visit www.9workstheatrical.com. Or call Ticketworld at 891-9999.)