The Wedding Singer - Staged by Bromley Players
It was indeed a "Saturday Night in the City"... or rather in Eltham, but nonetheless. I had heard numerous positive comments about the exceptional talent and quality of the shows produced by The Bromley Players. This was my first opportunity to see one for myself, and I was left in awe. The talent on display not only met but exceeded all my expectations, leaving me eagerly anticipating their next production.
The Wedding Singer Musical is inspired by the 1998 film of the same name. The story follows Robbie, a wedding singer, as he navigates his broken relationship with his ex-fiancée while developing a new romance with Julia. The music is by Matthew Sklar, with lyrics by Chad Beguelin and a book co-written by Beguelin and Tim Herlihy.
Ian Chapman was in the Director's chair, with Jeorgie Brett serving as the Musical Director. Both excelled in their roles, allowing their work to speak for itself. However, Laura Whittingham truly aimed for the stars with her exceptional choreography. (More on that later.)
I was unfamiliar with this musical, but I was well aware of the cast's reputation. From a local amateur dramatics perspective, the show featured a star-studded cast, highlighting the rich talent within our community, led by the powerful duo of Nancy Mae Banks (as Julia) and Ben McDuff (as Robbie) in the leading roles.
The venue itself (The Bob Hope Theatre in Eltham) is a rare gem in today's world, and we have often emphasized the need for more local and working theatres. It's crucial to support the existing ones, like the Bob Hope, so they can continue to thrive and serve as a home for amateur performers. Our support is not just a simple gesture; it's a vital contribution to the vibrancy and richness of our local arts scene.
The Bob Hope Theatre has been a dependable home for the amateur dramatics community, and I hope it will continue to be for many years to come. It's always a pleasure.
In my experience reviewing musicals on this site, the Bromley Players have delivered the most remarkable and consistently engaging choreography I've ever encountered from an amateur company. Each dance number flowed seamlessly into the next, creating a captivating and dynamic performance. Laura Whittingham and her team's choreography set the gold standard, elevating the production to a polished and exhilarating level.
This may be Bromley Player's 'Ace in the Hole' when it comes to making them a standout company. Among all the musicals we have reviewed on this site, the cast showcased the most impressive and consistent choreography I have witnessed from an amateur company, with each dance number standing out. It indeed was the gold standard.
The only area where I occasionally felt disconnected was the lighting, which sometimes illuminated scenes off-center or left a principal speaking in darkness. However, these issues were few and far between, though noticeable.
As I left the theatre, I felt the excitement and enjoyment we had shared as an audience. If I had to sum up the entire experience in one word, it would be "fun." It was a delightful time that allowed us to escape the world and immerse ourselves in the joy of theatre. The entire cast stood out and took advantage of their moments to shine, resulting in too many highlights to mention.
The Bromley Players may have many competitors, but few equals.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
I wanted to add this section to jot down a few thoughts I couldn't smoothly transition into the central review, which are worth drawing attention to.
The show's music is actually ridiculously catchy. Never have I gone away from a musical and imminently started having withdrawal symptoms. As if hooked on the hard stuff, I left the venue and immediately scrambled around online for the soundtrack. Special mentions to 'Someday' and 'All About the Green.'
Special shoutout to the Hulk Hogan guy, Tina Turner, Cher and all the other cameos in the Las Vegas scene. I was so invested.
The unique dynamic of The Bromley Players, in comparison to others, is their crop of young talent.
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