The Wedding Singer, based on the 1998 film of the same name, centres around Robbie (the title character) and his somewhat complicated love life. The show has a brilliant original score, which also incorporates a few popular songs from the film, and is very much a celebration of (and a homage to) all things 80s. From the costumes, the musical style, to the pop culture references: it’s very clearly set in the 80s!

It ran for 284 performances on Broadway following a limited engagement in Seattle. The show then went on a US tour and eventually had its UK premiere on tour, starting at Manchester Palace Theatre in 2008. Since then, it has had a second US tour and a second UK tour, in addition to a limited London run at the Troubadour Wembley Park. Now it is a hugely popular show for amateur theatre companies around the world.

Performers who have starred in the show over the years include Stephen Lynch, who was nominated for a Tony for the show, Laura Benanti, Natalie Casey, Ray Quinn, Kevin Clifton, Lucie Jones, Ruth Madoc, Jon Robyns and many others who went on to become musical theatre staples after their stints in the show.

Despite not winning any of the numerous Tony and Drama Desk Awards it was nominated for, the show is still a staple in the musical theatre catalogue and is definitely a good cast recording to put on whilst doing jobs around the house!

FACTS:

Music: Matthew Sklar

Lyrics: Chad Beguelin

Book: Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy

Original Broadway Theatre: Al Hirschfeld Theatre

Original Production Run: 30 March 2006 (with an opening of 27 April 2006) to 31 December 2006

TONYS:

NOMINATED: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical – Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy, Best Original Score – Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical – Stephen Lynch, Best Choreography – Rob Ashford

Watch Tony nominee Stephen Lynch and the original Broadway cast of The Wedding Singer perform the opening number ‘It’s Your Wedding Day’ at the 2006 Tony Awards below: