Hire a DJ ? “The Wedding Singer” is all played out. The musical comedy, showing at the Hippodrome Theatre, is a 1980s fairytale based on the 1998 film of the same name starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.
Ten minutes into the show, the main character, wedding singer Robbie Hart, is left at the altar by his fiancee Linda. His attraction to Julia Sullivan, a waitress, pulls him out of his depression.
Unfortunately, she?s engaged to Wall Street suit Glen Guglia, who?s more interested in cars and women than getting married. Robbie?s bandmates Sammy and George and Julia?s friend Holly add humor to the simple love story.
To the movie fans? dismay, the musical isn?t as endearing, romantic or hilarious as its silver screen counterpart. In addition, the production was plagued with sound problems, which cut off the first few words of too many lines to count, frustrating the audience and leaving the actors impotent.
The play seemed too short and too long at the same time.
Too much stage time was spent on Holly and her ex, Sammy, but not enough was spent on the main characters falling in love. The only time their bond was highlighted was during a shopping scene, where they bickered more than swooned.
However, the number “If I Told You,” when Robbie and Julia are struggling with their feelings, is beautifully memorable, and the sweetest part of the play. Only then is it palpable that they have truly fallen for each other.
Making an Adam Sandler character your own would be a challenge for any actor, but Merritt David Janes succeeds in his role as Robbie. During the Sandler classic “Somebody Kill Me Please,” Janes isn?t an impersonator, but it?s clear his performance was inspired by the actor.
Erin Elizabeth Coors, while convincing as sweet-tempered Julia, seemed to forget that her run as the lead in “Barbie Fairytopia” ended. Her pretty yet thin singing voice lacks the power of a stage actress.
Sarah Peak as Holly was vivacious and sharp. She makes a filler scene ? “Right in Front of Your Eyes” ? worth watching.
“All About the Green” falls flat with weak singing, sluggish dancing and unappealing set design.
Understudy Andrea Andert?s top-notch number, “A Note From Linda,” outshines all other performances.
IF YOU GO
The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy
WHEN: Through Sept. 23
8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays
VENUE: Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
12 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore
TICKETS: $25 to $70
INFO: 410-547-SEAT
