This review was written by a TeenTix KC teen who is learning about arts journalism through the Press Corps, which provides teens with training and tools to respond to their arts experiences. TeenTix KC seeks to engage teens in the arts and amplify their voices. This may be the first time this teen has publicly expressed their opinion about an arts experience. Thank you for reading and supporting this teen’s development as an arts journalist.
Always the wedding singer, never the groom. Music Theatre Kansas City’s (MTKC) production of The Wedding Singer, directed by Drew Thomas and music directed by Julie Danielson, was a show-stopping performance that took us back to the 80s when hair was big and energy was high. Bring your spouse, fiancé or friends and say “I do” to this show filled with true love, heartbreak, nostalgia and comedic, high-energy wedding celebrations.
The Wedding Singer is a fun and comedic musical with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and a book by Beguelin and Tim Herlihy. It is based on the 1998 Adam Sandler film The Wedding Singer. The musical revolves around Robbie Hart, who does vocal performances at weddings, and his journey to find true love. The show focuses on his failed relationship with his former fiancée, Linda and his growing romance with a new love, Julia.
I really enjoyed and appreciated how the actors were able to show us the emotional growth their characters had, specifically the lead Robbie Hart, played by Austin Ragusin. Ragusin perfectly portrayed and grasped Hart’s rockstar energy while also contrasting it by showing Hart’s heartbreak. Ragusin’s physical comedy was the highlight of this show. No matter where he was on stage, every kick, jump and facial expression immediately turned our head toward Ragusin.
Another notable performance was given by Heather Lewallen, who played Holly, Julia’s best friend. Lewallen never failed to make her mark on stage, whether it was with her comedic attitude or with her show-stopping solo “Saturday Night in the City”.
The show wouldn’t have been complete without the ensemble. This ensemble came in with so much energy, truly channeling the spirit of the 80s through their big hair, vibrant makeup and neon outfits. The ensemble also had many chances to show us their humorous side with songs like “Casualty of Love” and “Single.”
The Wedding Singer at MTKC was a beautiful show that tackled many stories while keeping the upbeat and comedic theme of the musical. This musical is better suited for a mature audience, but I highly recommend going to see it before the show closes on April 19th. This musical will immerse you in the 80s and will remind you that true love is found in authentic connection.
Reviewed by TeenTix KC Press Corps member Zariah Gordon
TeenTix KC is a KC Studio initiative building a brighter future for our region by empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their arts community as audience members, critics, influencers, advocates, patrons and leaders. Any 13-19 year-old can become a TeenTix KC member by downloading a free pass which enables them to buy $5 tickets to participating arts venues across metro KC. Teens are encouraged to become critics and influencers by writing reviews and creating reels about the arts they experience using their TeenTix KC passes.
