STATE COLLEGE — Anyone who survived the days of big hair, shoulder pads, Rubik’s Cubes, fluorescent leg warmers, fingerless gloves and Day-Glo everything will relate to State College Community Theatre’s upcoming show, “The Wedding Singer.”
The 1980s will return when veteran director Philip J. Vonada and his cast immerse themselves in the musical comedy, based on the Adam Sandler film of the same name. The show runs Thursday, Feb. 11, through Sunday, Feb. 14, at The State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave.
“It’s a really funny script,” said Vonada, “and it has something for everyone.”
Two SCCT newcomers will headline an energetic cast. “As a director, it’s exciting to have two people the audience has never seen before,” said Vonada.
Mark Bolden, a graduate student in Penn State’s Aerospace program, will play Robbie, a hopelessly romantic vocalist who specializes in wedding entertainment. Julia, an equally lovestruck young lady portrayed by Penn State law student Kelsey Kobil, has an obsession with getting married.
“Robbie just wants to get married,” Bolden said, “and he goes off the deep end when he gets dumped.”
This, Kobil and Bolden agreed, leads to some rather humorous musical numbers. Robbie’s intended breaks it off with him on their wedding day. She sends a handwritten message while he waits at the altar. The poor girl hoped to marry a rock star, not a man who croons as others celebrate. In “A Note From Linda,” her feelings are quite clear: “You could have been in Motley Crue or David Lee Roth’s replacement. But instead you sing while people chew. And you live in your grandma’s basement!”
The musical arrangements have a 1980s feel, which will filter through to wardrobe, hair and choreography. “Lots of big hair in this show,” Kobil said.
“You can hear little ’80s-style riffs,” Vonada added. “A lot of it has a heavily synthesized pop sound.”
Kobil and Bolden both emphasized the fun aspect of this show. Vonada, they said, always makes sure the cast has a good time at rehearsal. He has the performers watch videos of ’80s luminaries such as Cyndi Lauper and Billy Idol. “He’ll tell us, ‘This isn’t “Les Miz,”’” said Bolden.
Kobil added, “If the cast doesn’t have fun, it’s not believable.”
While the ‘80s tropes make up a large portion of the show’s amusement factor, a love story lies at the heart of it.
“And the show opens on Valentine’s Day weekend,” Vonada said, “so it’s the perfect date night.”
