POP! The Question, would you� like to see Lindenwold High School's performance of "The Wedding Singer?" Yes!
The "The Wedding Singer" made its debut on Broadway in 2006, with lyrics and music by Chad Beguelin and Matthew Sklar. It was written by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy, who wrote the original 1998 film by the same name. Wedding Singer Robbie Hart makes sure everything is magical for people's special day, but what's supposed to be the best day of his life falls short when his bride sends a note to the altar instead of walking down the aisle. Wanting nothing to do with weddings anymore, Robbie finds himself being pulled along to help one of the waitress' from the wedding venue, Julia Sullivan, plan her wedding. Julia helps push Robbie through his heartbreak, helping him regain his hope for love.
The cast's high energy had the audience dancing in their seats. The vocals and acting of the leads and ensemble kept the audience enthralled in the story. Stage crew mirrored the energy of the cast, jumping out, moving all the many student-made sets, and tackling any sudden mishaps quickly and efficiently.
David Bonilla-Mendoza led the cast with his role of Robbie Hart, a part he tackled with flying colors. His acting through the ups and downs of the story kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The chemistry between him and his co-star Aryana Cruz, who played Julia Sullivan, electrified the stage. Their voices blended together beautifully with all their harmonies. The energy they performed with captivated the audience, and that energy flowed throughout the rest of the cast.
From every vocal to dance move and little scene in between, the ensemble put everything into their performance. They reacted to everything going on around them, stayed in character, and kept the story moving smoothly. Michael Gomez-Cruz who played George (Robbie's friend and band member) and Kyra White who played Rosie (Robbie's grandmother) had the audience laughing for ages at their line delivery and mannerisms, and the laughs kept coming when they performed their duet Move That Thang. Karina Moreno who played Holly (Julia's friend) and Marisa Miller who played Linda (Robbie's absent bride) wowed the audience with their powerful voices and even more powerful delivery. The ensemble cast switched seamlessly from role to role. This was true for Serenity Carter who received laughs for her different roles, including Dara Fonda (the not so honorable maid of honor) and Tina Turner (a Las Vegas look alike performer).
The student crew had their hand in every aspect of the show. From the new lighting system (complete with disco balls on the walls) that was controlled and operated by students, to the "wedding cake" style set that was student built. 45 cakes were handmade for the different wedding and party scenes. Large, props and life-like sets wheeled on and off smoothly and efficiently by the stage crew. "Party like it's 1986" the makeup and costumes were true to the time period, bright colors and 80's hairstyles providing an entertaining atmosphere for the show.
It may not be your wedding day, but all your problems melt away seeing Lindenwold High School's high energy, fun filled performance of "The Wedding Singer."
by Eve Amalfitano of Holy Spirit High School
