Party like its 1985 with ‘The Wedding Singer’ at Alhambra

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The Alhambra puts on an ‘80s-style wedding like no one else, as its new show, “The Wedding Singer,” opened on Oct. 3 and will run through Nov. 10.

“The Wedding Singer,” checks all the boxes and presents a perfect date night option or a fun night out on the town with friends.

No matter what the occasion, it will be a memorable one, as the experience starts off with some delectable meal options, including a massive portion of Chef DeJuan’s world famous slow roasted prime rib, deconstructed chicken Corbon Blue, or Seafood Newburg, which was a traditional Alhambra dish brought back just for this show.

The Amaretto wedding cake also hits the spot as a dessert option and helps set the wedding reception mood prior to the start of the show.

Suddenly, the show starts and attendees are quickly transported back to the 1980s with both the look of the scenery, the music choices and the wardrobe stylings, all of which combine to work well together to create a unique atmosphere.

“The Wedding Singer” is known for its time as a Broadway musical, as well as the popular movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, so it was a familiar script with much of the crowd, but the twists and approach offered during the play by Alhambra director Shain Stroff provided a uniqueness that will be appreciated.

It has lively musical performances and a ton of comedic moments that make the audience share big laughs, while at the same time telling a love story at its core.

The love story was captured excellently by a cast that included Jake Pearce as Robbie Hart and Brooklyn Klekamp as Julia Sullivan, who are the two main characters and love interests that the story follows throughout on their journey.

It was Pearce’s first time performing at Alhambra, as he adds it to his list of theatres he has performed in across the country, including Medora, North Dakota and at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

For Klekamp, it was the sixth production she has been a part of at Alhambra with some of her other roles being in “RENT,” “Joseph,” and “Beautiful.”

However, there are plenty of wacky and creative characters that play major parts along the way, including Paul Gray as Pearce’s character’s band mate Sammy and Cathy Merkel-Roddy, who plays the feisty grandmother Rosie Hart.

Both Gray and Merkel-Roddy made return performances at Alhambra and were at the center of so many of the comedic segments during the play.