In 1998, the film The Wedding Singer secured Drew Barrymore’s status as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand romantic leading ladies and propelled even further Adam Sandler’s box office power.
In the film, Drew starred as the adorable waitress Julia, opposite Adam’s Robbie Hart, a frustrated rock star who’s resorted to singing at weddings to make a living in ‘80s New Jersey. Their team-up combined with groovy ‘80s fashion and funky ‘80s new wave music enthralled movie fans, making the movie one of the top-grossing films of the year.
Now the same film has inspired a musical comedy and 9 Works Theatrical will be bringing it for the first time to the Philippine stage on October 23. Taking on the role of Julia is TV host/MYX VJ Iya Villania while Gian Magdangal of Party Pilipinas steps on the role of Robbie Hart. Although both are too young to have immersed themselves in ‘80s music and fashion (Gian was born in 1981 while Iya was born in 1986), the two are ready to seize the stage as if they lived the ‘80s. Iya will no doubt bring on the charm of Julia and for sure she will win the audience’s heart. Those who are familiar with the movie and fell in love with the song Grow Old With You is definitely in for a treat.
The Wedding Singer is written by Tim Herlihy and will feature a brand new musical score with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy. The local stage version is directed by Robbie Guevara, a stage veteran of such plays like A Christmas Carol, Fiddler on the Roof for Repertory Philippines and Heart & Music and the Rhythm of LIfe for the Philippine Opera Company. Robbie also directed this year’s Rent, which featured Gian as Roger.
Robbie started to work on securing the rights to the musical in 2008 and when it became available this year, it was a dream come true for him..
"When we first encountered the material, we knew that we had to do it," relates Guevara. "Wedding Singer is a crazy and energetic musical, and audiences will surely enjoy it."
Singer-actress and TV personality Nikki Valdez is also part of the cast as Julia’s bubbly and lovable cousin, as well as Jeremy Aguado, Lorenz Martinez, Johann dela Fuente and Myrene Santos. Musical Director is Rodel Colmenar and choreography is by Francis Matheu.
For ticket inquiries, you may call (632) 586-7105 or (632) 557-5860 or visit www.9workstheatrical.com or call Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999.
( Published October 22, 2010 in Red Carpet Magazine p. 3 )
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