An electrifying trip down the aisle, ‘The Wedding Singer’ shines at Engeman
By Julianne Mosher TBR NEWS MEDIA
Hold onto your Aqua Net, because the John W. Engeman Theater’s production of The Wedding Singer a radical blast from the past. From the moment the curtain rises, you are immediately transported back to the glorious and gaudy decade of the 1980s, leaving you with an ear-to-ear grin that lasts long after the final bow.
Directed and choreographed by Paul Stancato, the musical is a loving homage to the era of big hair, neon fashion and even bigger dreams, brought to vibrant life by an exceptional cast and crew. The infectious energy of the show is palpable, making it impossible not to dance along to the catchy, hilarious and sometimes silly score. Starting with the catchy opening number, “It’s Your Wedding Day,” perfectly sets the scene for Robbie Hart’s storyline and kickstarts a party you won’t want to end.
Leading the charge is Zach Cossman as Robbie Hart, whose portrayal is nothing short of brilliant. They perfectly capture Robbie’s journey from a heartbroken wedding singer to a hopeful romantic, delivering both comedic timing and genuine vulnerability with effortless charm. His powerful vocals and engaging stage presence truly anchor the show with his rendition of “Someday,” the hilariously dark “Somebody Kill Me,” and the sweet “Grow Old With You,” (made famous by Adam Sandler in the 1998 movie this musical is based off).
Opposite him, Emily Grace Tucker as Julia is an absolute dream, embodying sweetness and strength in equal measure. Her chemistry with Robbie is undeniable, making every moment they share a joy to watch, like during the adorably sweet “Come Out of the Dumpster” duet they sing when Robbie is kicked out of a wedding he ruins.
The entire supporting cast is equally stellar, with standout performances from Kaelee Albritton, who’s a jack-of-all trades with her acting, dancing and singing as Holly, Mike Ferlita as Sammy, Robbie’s right-hand man, Sean Michael Widener as the colorful George, and Gael Schaefer who play’s Rosie, a master in comedic timing and lovable absurdity. She can also rap.
Even the antagonists, you’ll love to hate like Drake Mason Leach as Glenn, (especially during his anthem, “All About the Green”) and Kendall Paige Parrett as Linda with her rocker inspired, “Let Me Come Home.”
Overall, each performer shines. Contributing to the ensemble are Brooks Andrew, Mikayla Agrella, Tiffany Beckford, Evan Blust, Derick Donato, Oliva Giorgio Lauren Gobes, Hannah McKinley Hunt, Lance Jewett, Jay Owens, Justin Wolfe Smith and Regan Victoria White. who all are perfectly cast and passionately committed. Collectively they bring a dynamic energy to group numbers like “Saturday Night in the City” and “Single.”
From the set to the wings, the production is “totally tubular.” The vibrant costumes, carefully curated by DW, the clever set design, designed by Kyle Dixon, and perfectly synced lighting all will transport you directly back to the 80s, creating a dynamic and immersive backdrop for the story.
In a world that often feels complicated, this production of The Wedding Singer is a much-needed burst of pure joy. It’s nostalgic, hilarious and ultimately, incredibly moving. The John W. Engeman Theater has truly outdone themselves, once again, proving once again why they are a gem in the Northport arts scene. Do yourself a favor: gather your friends, grab your favorite 80s outfit and get your tickets now! You won’t want to miss this unforgettable, feel-good experience.
