Theater Review: "The Wedding Singer" at Connecticut Theatre Company

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Patch Contributor Nancy Sasso Janis

Connecticut Theatre Company is performing a high-energy production of “The Wedding Singer” on the stage of The Repertory Theatre on Norden St. in New Britain through July 20.

“The Wedding Singer” is based upon the New Line Cinema film that was written by Tim Herlihy. The musical has a book by Chad Beguelin and Herlihy and music written by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Beguelin. Orchestrations are credited to Irwin Fisch.

Seth VanNatter (Man in the Chair in “The Drowsy Chaperone”) directs the spirited cast with an emphasis on the comedic elements in the quirky love story that will reach audience members of a certain age. “The great poet laureate, Foreigner, once said, ‘I want to know what love is. I want you to show me,’” the director begins their program note.

VanNatter reminds his readers that themes of love and what it means to people are addressed in many of the songs that defined the eighties. “The musical adaptation of ‘The Wedding Singer’ manages to capture the same messaging by rolling up 80’s inspired music, musical theatre emotion, and rom-com tropes into something that reminds us of how love feels for each one of us.”

The musical numbers are clearly inspired by the anthems of the eighties but are all original and include a variety of musical themes that often make up a Broadway score. From the bouncy “It’s Your Wedding Day” that opens and closes the show, to the comedic “A Note from Linda” and “Today You are a Man,” to the romantic and slightly silly “Grow Old with You,” this is an eclectic score. Kim Aliczi worked with the singers as musical director.

CTC first timer Niko Touros shines brightly in the role of the wedding singer himself, Robbie Hart. Touros is a native of Queens, NY, who now lives in CT and works as a public school PE teacher. He was part of “All is Calm” and “In The Heights” at Playhouse on Park, and “First Date” at Seven Angels.

Ben Elling makes the most of every move (and spiky hair) in the role of Robbie's bandmate Sammy. Elling, who is an assistant professor of Chemistry at Wesleyan University, makes his return to the stage in this production after a 12-year absence. Colin Norris, 21, gives a big performance as the sensitive and flamboyant keyboard player, George, and it is apparent how much he loves being part of this production.

Trinity College graduate Julianne Freeman glows in the role of the waitress Julia Sullivan in her third CTC production. From her fine comedic timing to her stellar singing voice, the actress makes this role her own. Julia Stone steals many scenes with her performance as Julia’s uninhibited cousin Holly. In her CTC debut, Stone is a bundle of talent.

Michael Robb is appropriately shallow in his performance as Julia’s fiance, Glen Giuglia. In her seventh CTC production, Sheila Duckworth is a riot as Rosie, Robbie's “hip”grandmother who raised him, and Christine McGuinness, last seen as “an enthusiastic tambourine-playing German in “Nine,” plays Julia’s divorced mom Angie perfectly. Paige Machnicz makes Robbie’s ex-girlfriend Linda both sexy and vapid in her CTC debut.

Erin Frechette choreographed the high-energy and sparkly dance numbers. The wonderful dancers in the ensemble, many of whom make their CTC debut, include Claire Fracesse, Grace Gerard, Catie Hahn, Enzo Jackson, Leroy Lawson, Dominque Libera, Jordyn H. Powell, Melissa Rand, Dance Captain Kaylyn Terry and Liv Testa.

Kudos to Mars Zschack for the costumes that reflect everything big about the eighties: sleeves, skirts, hair, etc. Over the top wigs complete the sparkly outfits. Vannatter designed a set that works and is the master of the cartoon-inspired props with Frachette. Brionna Ingraham designed the lighting that lit the stage well and Sound Operator Ben Silberman did his best to make sure that everyone was heard.

“The Wedding Singer” runs through July 20. Tickets at connecticuttheatrecompany.org Next up at CTC will be Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville, followed by the play “Miracle on 34th Street.”