By Eliza Een and Alayna Een Hanna
Based on the 1998 movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, The Wedding Singer is an 80s-themed musical comedy about losing love—and finding it again. Film writer Tim Herlihy returned to write the book with Chad Beguelin (also lyrics) added to music by Matthew Sklar. When wedding singer and aspiring musician Robbie Hart is dumped on his wedding day, it rocks him to the core—more than musically. Although weddings are still a sore spot for Robbie, he’s persuaded by his new friend Julia Sullivan to help her plan and prepare for her wedding to fiancé Glen Guglia. With the help of loyal friends and a spunky grandmother, Robbie rediscovers his path and realizes that love is closer than he thinks. Chaos and miscommunications ensue when Linda, Robbie’s ex-fiancée, tries to take him back. Through several celebrity impersonators and a spontaneously written love song, Robbie finally starts his happily ever after with someone he wants to grow old with.
This production is double-cast for the main roles, and we had the pleasure of seeing the “Punks” cast.
Tyler Rasmussen is a sweet and awkward Robbie Hart (/Michael Howell), traits that highlight the character growth he experiences through the show. As the central character, Rasmussen has great chemistry in his scenes with the other leads, making each bond as authentic as his homegrown mullet.
Julia Sullivan (Jonelle Olsen, Savana Lowe) is an elegant and classy character, and her costume design sets her apart from the rest of the cast’s eccentric 80s fashion. Olsen did an amazing job in her solo songs, captivating the audience with her smooth tone and expressiveness. Watching her physical comedy during the “Saturday Night” scene is also a riot, especially in contrast to the ensemble’s impressive choreography, and her accidental third-wheeling with the newlyweds in “Someday” is hilarious (and expertly staged).
Robbie’s wedding band includes Sammy (Elijah “Eli” Carillo, Spencer Bushman) and George (Tanner Larsen), his wingmen on and off stage. Carillo shares a variety of good and bad advice, all with the best of intentions, giving his role a frustrating but loveable characterization. He also flexes his muscles in some impressive lifts and dance moves throughout the show. Larsen hits every point and pose as George, a flamboyant personality on display that will have the audience cracking up even when he’s not rocking center stage.
Holly (Cyra Hensen, Ashlee Howell), Julia’s somewhat slutty cousin and rock-hard support system, is a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants, and Hensen nails the character and her harmonies. Her performance of “Right in Front of Your Eyes” renewed my love of that song, which can sometimes feel tucked away in the second act.
Grandma Rosie is a hoot, and Paige Erickson (Alyssa Edwards) embraces the role with open arms and a big heart. It’s easy to tell that Erickson has fun performing as Rosie, and she brings her scene partners and the audience along for the ride.
Wrapping up with the exes we love to hate, Glen Guglia (Caden Terry, Weston Seiler) and Linda (Laura Lewis, Kellie Seiler) are, respectively, goofy greed and jilting Jill personified. I’m now convinced that Madonna’s “Material Girl” was somehow inspired by Lewis’s performance.
The talented ensemble is so entertaining, from their costumes and makeup to their choreography (Nicole Miller) and background work. Whether they’re playing disgusted and jealous wedding guests, awkward Jewish teens, or silly celebrity impersonators, they make the scenes shine and provide fun side-stories for the audience to see. The unsung (and not singing) heroes of the performance include Renaissance woman Cassidy Ross (director, costuming, projection design) and the rest of the crew, who work literally behind the scenes to elevate the performance quality.
This fun homage to the 80s is colorful—including in its language and themes, so audience discretion is advised for teenage and younger viewers. The music and comedy guarantee a great night out. Though I have to say that my favorite part was the unexpected encore on our performance night, when male lead Rasmussen “totally popped the question” to stage manager Averie Forchuk.
The Draper Historic Theatre’s cast of talented actors brings The Wedding Singer to life, and you’ll want to laugh and sing along to this fun and feel-good musical comedy. So grab your tickets and bring a friend to the next performance!
Draper Historic Theatre presents The Wedding Singer, book by Tim Herlihy and Chad Beguelin, Music by Matthew Sklar, Lyrics by Chad Beguelin.
Draper Historic Theatre, 12366 South 900 East, Draper Utah 84020
May 15–31, 2025, 7:00 PM. Matinees at 2:00 PM on Saturdays.
Contact: 801-572-4144
Tickets: $15–20
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