SHSTC Presents The Wedding SInger

(by Catie Rutley and Aysha Salam)

​           In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of a recent Saturday set building, a weekly occurrence during which all theatre company members help design props, set, and costumes for upcoming shows, the Sharon High School Theatre Company publicity team struggles to write an article about upcoming production of The Wedding Singer. It’s difficult to encompass three months work of music, theatrics, bonding, and passion into a few hundred words, but senior Devon Carroll tries her best. “Lots of laughs will be had by all. You’re going to cry; you’re going to laugh; you’re going to have the best Friday night of your life,” this costume designer states, matter-of-factly. “Or Thursday night or Saturday night or Sunday afternoon,” she adds quickly, grinning broadly.

​           Looking around the auditorium, it is clear there is a lot of unrelentingly hard work that goes into undertaking a show this dynamic. Those familiar with the movie adaptation, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, know that The Wedding Singer is the type of romantic comedy that makes women crave chocolate and grown men sniffle. Sharon High School's teenager performers exalt the 80’s rock-and-rock vibe of the show as well. The show focuses on hopeless romantic Robbie Hart (Matt Goldstein), a good-hearted guitarist deeply in love with his high school sweetheart, Linda (Vani Sundaram). Unfortunately, Linda leaves Robbie high-and-dry at the altar, resulting in hangover and heartbreak. Robbie renounces love until he meets Julia (Rosalie McAvoy), a sweet-natured waitress whose hotshot Wall Street stock-broker boyfriend is named Glen (Adam Kantor). The large ensemble sets the tone for the chaotic tale, and they take their role seriously. “You still have
to do all the dances and songs really well… everyone is important,” remarks
Cyrin Gutmacher, freshman. The ensuing story is told through energetic
choreography, electrifying musical numbers, and a colorful array of characters
brought to life by the talented high school students who play each and every
one of them.

​           However, the choreography, the music numbers, the characters portrayed would not have the costumes, sets, and props so vital to the show without the creativity and hard work done by those behind-the-scenes. Although many of these items are built here, at set building, it is far from unusual to hear of the SHSTC team going above and beyond—staying late and coming early—to finish their tasks. For example, the extensive set takes an entire crew of students to maneuver and the team of costume designers has been sewing, altering, and fitting actors for weeks. But make no mistake: they’re having the time of their lives. “I’m here because it’s fun and productive. We can still have fun while we’re making something so spectacular,” says freshman Emily Goldstein.

​            This vibrant musical hits the Sharon High School stage on November 1-3 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, the 4th, at 2:00 PM. This 80's style show's Fonda-tastic dance grooves, Lauper-ific costumes, and an Elvis-licious tunes create a rock-and-roll feel that will thunder impressively through the auditorium and into the audience's hearts. To purchase tickets, please visit www.SHSTheatreCompany.com/tickets.