INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRODUCTION OF The Wedding Singer THE STORY The Wedding Singer is based on the 1998 film of the same title, which starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. The film is set during 1985 with the main character Robbie Hart as the lead singer in a band which performs at weddings. He's about to marry his girlfriend Linda. Julia is a waitress at the banquet hall where Robbie performs. She is waiting for her long term boyfriend, Glen, to pop the question. The next week Linda leaves Robbie at the altar and Glen finally asks Julia to marry him. Glen leaves the wedding planning to Julia who then asks Robbie for help. It soon becomes apparent that Julia is with the wrong guy and she falls for Robbie and vice versa. Robbie thinks there is no way he can compete with Glen because Robbie is “just” a wedding singer and Glen is rich and successful. THE MUSICAL The musical opened on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on April 27, 2006 and closed on December 31, 2006 after 284 performances. It was directed by John Rando, with choreography by Rob Ashford, and featured Stephen Lynch as Robbie. The Broadway version was nominated for 8 Tony awards, 8 Drama Desk Awards and 3 Drama League Awards. The British version opened at Manchester's Palace Theatre on February 22nd, 2008 starring Jonathan Wilkes and Natalie Casey. It ran until Saturday, March 1st and then began a nationwide tour. DIFFERENCES FROM THE FILM • In the film Robbie gives an elderly lady singing and music lessons. In the musical version, the lady is his grandmother. • In the movie Robbie lives in his sister’s basement but in the musical he lives in his grandmother's basement instead. • Robbie's best friend is a limousine driver in the film but in the musical he is a member of the band. • In the film Julia's cousins, Holly and Sammy have a bit of a flirtation but in the musical version they are actually both major characters and another featured love story. • In the musical Robbie goes to Glen for a job but in the film he just goes to an unrelated bank. 1 • Billy Idol isn't in this but instead the plane scene features Robbie on a plane going to a lookalike convention in Vegas so there is a Billy Idol impersonator instead. CAST DESCRIPTIONS • Robbie Hart (Rock Tenor) = Extremely strong singer who can adapt to many different styles. Strong, focused and diverse actor. Great comic timing. Ability to play guitar. Basic movement required. Actor must appear nerdish but with real charm, a likable boy next door approach to the character. • George (Tenor, strong falsetto) = Strong character singer who can rap and has good falsetto. Plays Keyboard. George is to be played in a feminine, long Rocker-Haired manner. Boy George type. • Sammy (Tenor) = Singer who can also play bass guitar. This is a non dancing role but basic movement is required. Sammy is a typical “mans man”. • Julia Sullivan (Soprano) = Strong singer, with good movement ability. Strong acting ability. The role is to be played sweet and innocent, she is a waitress who longs to be married and live the perfect married life. • Holly (Pop Belt) = Must have strong dance ability, and a unique voice with a strong belt. Must be a strong actor. Holly is Julia’s cousin, very uninhibited and forward. Comic timing a must. Based on Madonna of the 80’s. • Glen Guglia (Baritone) = Julia’s fiancé, must have great acting skills with strong singing skills, also requires basic movement. Glen is tall, good looking, slightly older in appearance to Julia and Robbie, he is arrogant and wealthy. • Rosie (Soprano/Alto) = Robbie’s Grandmother, 60-70 year old lady. Must have great comic timing and a singing voice that suits both classic musical theatre and rap. 2 Basic movement required. Sweet and lovable, has no shame. Actress can be made look age relevant. • Linda (Rock Belt) = Robbie’s “trashy” girlfriend who leaves him at the altar. Strong belt voice with real grunt. Movement required. Cher type of the 80’s, role will be slightly larger than normally portrayed. • Angie (Soprano/Alto) = Julia’s Mother, strong character singer/actor, strong dance skills, good comic timing. Ability to act late twenties, and mid 40’s. ENSEMBLE / SUPPORTING SPEAKING/SINGING/ DANCING CAST **All these parts are featured roles and cameos. The performer who plays each part will also be heavily used in the ensemble. Each of these roles is a singing/speaking/dancing role and may need to be doubled on parts. ENSEMBLE CHARACTERS • Mr. and Mrs. Fonda • Junior Secretary • David Fonda • Second Suit • Priest • Ricky • Mookie and Crystal • Bum • Donny and Tiffany • Glen’s Mistresses • 1st and 2nd Waiter • Airplane Agent • Shane and Donatella • Billy Idol • Father of Donatella • Stunt Dancer Rosie • Bad Haircut Guy • Cyndi Lauper • Sideburns Lady • Mr. T • Loser Guy • Ronald Reagan • Large Lady • Tina Turner • Clerk • Imelda Marcos • Glen’s Secretary ENSEMBLE SONG NUMBERS *It’s Your Wedding Day *Casualty of Love *Single *Someday/Someday (Playoff) *Not That Kind of Thing *I Believe *Pop! *All About the Green *Act II Finale *Pre-Casualty-Wedding Day *All About the Green (Playoff) 3 .