"The Wedding Singer" Rehearsals Begin

Once a cast is set, or hopefully set, a table read of the play is scheduled. I say “hopefully” because in community theatre, there are always some changes with the cast in the beginning. Someone may not be happy with the role they get and drop out. Someone may find they have more conflicts than they originally thought. Sometimes there are not enough people who come to auditions and additional actors are encouraged to join the cast. That’s sort-of how I got involved.

I had worked with Ron Baumanis on productions with Ann Arbor Civic Theatre (Smile and My One and Only).  I found out from my daughter that the turnout for auditions was not many people as DCP had hoped, especially (ahem) mature people. I had toyed with the idea of getting involved with the show because I love The Wedding Singer, having seen it on Broadway, and I really enjoy working with Ron but I had chickened out.  With a little Facebook encouragement from Ron, I came to callbacks and auditioned. 

Well, in for a dime, in for a dollar!

June 6 was the table read. We were not actually at a table, but sitting on the risers at Copeland auditorium. We read through the script, stopping at the songs to listen to the CD recording.  It was a very enjoyable evening. The script is very funny and we all had some side-splitting moments. My favorite was when Linda Lee Austin, who plays Robbie’s Grandma Rosie, read her lines.  We were all in tears as she tried to give wedding night advice to Robbie. You’ll have to come see the show to hear the advice.

The week following the table read, the main cast worked on blocking the show. “Blocking” is the director telling the actors where to move on the stage. It’s a very tedious process but most actors can better remember their lines with the blocking and the reverse. 

Rehearsals were still taking place in Copeland, but after one more week we will move into the Center for Performing Arts. It always helps to be rehearsing in the space you perform in, but for some theatres this is true luxury. Most groups don’t get into the actual space until the week before the show opens. 

We are very honored and privileged to have such a beautiful theatre as the Center for the Performing Arts at Dexter High School.

The Wedding Singer will be presented July 20-21 at 8 p.m., and July 21-22 at 2 p.m. at the Dexter Center for the Performing Arts located in Dexter High School, 2200 N. Parker Rd. Tickets are $12 in advance, and $15 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Dexter Pharmacy, 7039 Dexter Ann Arbor Rd., online at  www.dextercommunityplayers.com using PayPal, or by mailing your ticket request with a check or money order payable to Dexter Community Players to Wedding Singer Tickets, 2900 South State St., Suite 22, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Tickets are general admission and are non-refundable. For more information or group rates, call 734-726-0355.