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TriArts in Sharon presents a rollicking romantic comedy in ‘The Wedding Singer’ By George Linkletter with The Citizen News
"You're kidding; the Wedding Singer closes this weekend?" Now in its 21st season, the TriArt’s Playhouse in nearby Sharon, CT prides itself on bringing Broadway-caliber productions to the Litchfield Hills. And that is exactly what it has done with this season’s debut production, a rollickingly entertaining performance of ‘The Wedding Singer.’ Based on the very successful 1998 feature film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, this stage version of ‘The Wedding Signer’ infuses a timeless and uplifting love story with a fast-paced mix of song, dance and ensemble numbers in the iconic style of a Broadway musical. The production is directed by John Simpkins, a faculty member of NYU’s Steinhard School, and includes current and former students as well as performers from Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam and the prestigious Hartt School of Music in Hartford. The story centers on an idealistic young man who is following his life’s dream of becoming a successful entertainer. However, his career has crested at the modest level of wedding singer. Adding insult to injury, his financee abandons him at the altar on their wedding day -- due to his limited earning potential. Out of this calamity comes an immense blessing: a blossoming relationship with a dream girl who ultimately rejects her impending marriage to a shallow Wall Street trader for true happiness with the wedding singer. Believability is key to making this love story work and Rich Krakowski (as Robbie Hart the Wedding Singer) and Caitlyn Caughell (as Julia Sullivan his dream girlfriend) are ideally cast and expert in their roles. Mr. Krawkoski, a graduate of NYU’s Steinhardt School, plays the honest if naïve-to-the-ways-of-the-world everyman with easy aplomb throughout the first act. In the second act, as his love for Julia grows and he realizes that he might lose her, his performance soars. Ms. Caughell (as Julia) also hails from NYU and portrays a hardworking waitress with girl-next-door innocence. Julia longs for romance during the go-go 80s when, in the immortal words of Gordon Gekko, “greed is good.” Ms. Caughell brings a Cinderella-esque purity to her role, along with an angelic voice. It is likely that a few in the audience also fell in love with her. A slew of memorable characters and performances (far more than can be mentioned here) add depth and richness to this production. Jordan Stanley is outstanding in his portrayal of George, a Boy George look-alike and faithful gay member of Robbie’s rock band. Jeffrey F. Wright III, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Tom Cruise, is on-the-money with his portrayal of Len Guglia, a swarmy Wall Street trader. Guglia is engaged to the beautiful Julia, but is really in love with himself and his career. The production features nearly two dozen musical and dance numbers, and a quick tempo fueled by a rapid-fire sequence of scene changes. Just three of those numbers – ‘Casualty of Love,’ Saturday Night in the City,’ and ‘All About the Green’ are worth the price of admission. An eight-piece orchestra under the skilled baton of artistic director Michael Berkeley and first-class lighting and sound (the performers are miked and amplified) enhance the evening’s entertainment. The non-profit TriArts Sharon Playhouse is fully air-conditioned and an easy drive north on picturesque country roads. The facility also features an outdoor beverage and snack bar, with tables and chairs, open prior to the performance to refresh early arrivals. Later productions this summer are ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,’ ‘Oklahoma!’ and ‘Divas Do More Broadway!’ Visit www.triarts.net or call 860-364-7469 for information.
$10 Seats for TriArts Trumpet Readers — (Hey, That's You!)
There are a limited number of seats available for this Saturday’s (July 10) 2 p.m. performance for only $10. That's right, $10. In an effort to offer high-quality, affordable theatre to our TriArts community, we will be periodically offering similar special rates. Live theatre, $10 seats? Unheard of. Please mention the TriArts Trumpet when you call the Box Office at 860-364-SHOW (7469) ex. 200.
Thursdays, 7/8 @7pm Click Here for More Information Tickets
860-364-7469 or Wedding Singer Video Clip
Highlighting: Dylan Baker, instructor for Stage Combat and Martial Arts for Theatre July 12-16
Dylan Baker, black belt in Tae Kwon do, will be teaching this workshop which he describes as a dynamic introduction into stage combat, stunt work and mixed martial arts. Says Dylan: “We’ll get into martial arts in film and Hollywood, to show the difference between real martial arts and what we see on television. I'll be happy to demonstrate some basic stunt techniques. I also want the kids to put together their own skits, incorporating Tae Kwon-do and fight choreography, and I will video tape it so they get their small taste of Hollywood. I can't wait!” His is a remarkable story. Dylan was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of four, and when he turned five, his parents enrolled him in the Edwards Tae-Kwon-Do Center, under the watchful eye of Sensai Charles Edwards. At the age of twelve, Dylan persevered through a grueling four hour test to be honored with a black belt. By the time he was fifteen, Dylan was awarded the title of “Grand Champion”, in six annual tournaments in NY, CT, NJ and VT. After completing several stunt scenarios in the HBO show, “OZ” he received his Screen Actor’s Guild card. Since then Dylan has been working with the top stunt-coordinators in Manhattan and Hollywood pursuing his next dream. Class takes place in Bok Gallery at TriArts, runs from 9am to 12 noon, Monday through Friday July 12-16 and is only $200 per person. Call now to register your child! Saluting our Sponsors! Please support our sponsors — without them TriArts would not be able to produce Broadway Quality theatre at affordable rates. The sponsors for The Wedding Singer are: Best and Cavallaro Real Estate
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| All Information Subject to Change Without Notice | Alice Bemand, Executive Director / Michael Berkeley, Artistic Director |