The Wedding Singer
at Fairfax High School

Reviewed on May 7, 2016

Noah Mutterperl
Hayfield Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

For most, the 1980s evoke memories of mullets, cringe-worthy soft pop music, and amounts of neon that would today be deemed inappropriate. Yet, one cannot deny the allure of the era's energy and optimism. Fairfax High School's production of "The Wedding Singer" perfectly captures this appeal, providing not only an homage to the 80s, but a night full of laughter and unadulterated fun.

Based on the 1998 Adam Sandler film of the same name, "The Wedding Singer" was revamped for Broadway with an original score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin and premiered in 2006. Despite its relatively short run, the show attained several Tony nominations, including Best Musical. Since then, it has toured in the U.S. as well as the U.K. and Japan.

The story takes place in 1980s New Jersey and centers on wannabe rock star, Robbie Hart (Elijah King), who skates through life making money as the lead singer of a wedding band. His heart is torn in two when he is stood up at the alter by his "would-be bride." However, his affections turn to waitress Julia Sullivan (Rachel Cahoon). Julia reciprocates Robbie's feelings, but is unable to act upon them due to her engagement to Wall Street mogul, Glen Gulia (Darien Weems). Robbie and Julia struggle to find love as the hectic antics of themselves and their friends ensue.

Robbie, the multi-talented Elijah King shows off his clear vocals, his smooth dance moves and his guitar skill, playing romantic songs such as "Grow Old with You," and some not so romantic, such as "Someone Kill Me." All the while, he portrays the various levels to Robbie's character, through humorously throwing himself about in self-pity during his hilarious melt down and quietly reflects on consequences of his actions in more serious scenes. Rachel Cahoon is endearing as Julia, playing up the character's quirky demeanor while still maintaining the honesty of the character. Cahoon also enchants audiences with her beautiful, well-trained vocals. Together King and Cahoon create a genuine couple that audiences could not help but root for.

Standout performances include that of Zion Jang, as the androgynous George, meant to resemble pop star, Boy George. Jang fully embodied the sassy, comically sensual essence of George, keeping the audience roaring, particularly during his 80s pop rendition of the Jewish prayer, the "Shehecheyanu" while Robbie's band plays at a Bar Mitzvah. Molly Berry as Julia's promiscuous yet sincere cousin, Holly, is also excellent. She has the chance to demonstrate her immense vocal and dancing talent in the show stopping number "Saturday Night in the City."

The production is enhanced by its superb ensemble, as every actor exhibits great energy and investment in his/her role. The ensemble performs the complex student choreography (designed by Lila Johnson and Katie Tomney) with great ease, including the execution of numerous lifts and flips.


The special effects team also deserves recognition for the successful creation of a contraption that poured 5 gallons of water onto Holly à la "Flashdance" during her production number, "Saturday Night in the City."

Lighting is used to generate jaw-dropping spectacles with a disco ball hung above the audience to help transport them back to the time of bright lights and disco-pop music. Neon lighting effectively set the mood for the exciting full cast dance numbers. Unfortunately, at the beginning of some scenes, lighting cues were slightly delayed, but this did not detract from the overall wonderful production.

Fairfax High School's tubular production of "The Wedding Singer" successfully depicts the vibrancy of the 1980s, leaving audiences with the need to, in the words of George, "Move That Thang."

Julie Lee
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

There are just some things you don't miss about the 80s: the mullets, shoulder pads, and those tight, tight leotards. In this "Material World", everything seemed to flash, pop, or dazzle, but hidden behind the neon letters and Cyndi Lauper's mound of hair lay the worries of a young generation full of dreams but empty of money. Fairfax High School's brilliant rendition of "The Wedding Singer" made an unforgettable "Saturday Night".

Adapted from the 1998 film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, "The Wedding Singer" moonwalked its way onto Broadway in 2006 with the tale of Robbie Hart, the lead vocal of a band that specializes in weddings. In love with love, he is crushed by the abandonment by his fiancée Linda on their wedding day. He finds comfort in Julia--a waitress conflicted by her growing feeling for Robbie as she races towards the impending wedding with her rich boyfriend. Music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and the book by Beguelin and Tim Herlihy, "The Wedding Singer" sated many fans of the New Age.

Elijah King, portraying the lovable Robbie, carried an on-point delivery of a hapless romantic with little luck but lots of heart. King had the vocals befitting the most popular performer, and the enthusiasm of a he-man. Uh, just with whole lot less of a six-pack or a bowl cut but with a greater range of emotions and far better fashion sense.

King's spectacular "concert" was matched by Rachel Cahoon as Julia Sullivan, with her crystal-clear voice and maturity of an expert actress. The duo's tension-filled banter had the audience crossing their fingers for the would-be happy ending.

However, the actor who received the most whoops had to be Zion Jang, playing George, the keyboard player. "Keyboard player" has to be the most boring way of describing Jang – he was a star. The star. At no point did Jang lose his comedic mastery and failed to embellish the flamboyant nature of the flirtatious band member. His dance-off with Emily Dillard, playing Robbie's Grandma Rosie, made the once-stale Worm and Robot the freshest dance numbers in the last three decades.

The climax of the show had to be "Saturday Night". Everyone was entranced everyone by the foggy haze and blood-red lighting wrapping the moving limbs of the dancers. The choreography by the ensemble was crisp and in-sync yet somehow never lost the strength in vocals, either. When Molly Berry, playing Julia's best friend (with a brief crush on Robbie) Holly stepped on to the top of the ladder and pulled the trigger that showered her in pouring water, the room became electrified with awe.

The set was set in an efficient fashion, aided by the nimble run crew who had only a few quirks throughout the show. The lighting was varied and felt very modern as the disco ball spun, spotlights roamed, and colors burst. Though the cues had been off at times, the overall design and execution was remarkable.

Greatly amplified by the attention to detail and their dedication, the cast and crew of Fairfax High School put on a blasting show of "The Wedding Singer". The audience gave a standing ovation to the triumph of love in the face of green world, a story that will be remembered Time After Time.

Bridgette Kontner
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

As the disco ball began to spin, the audience was immediately captured in a vortex of lights, love, weddings, and the zeitgeist of the 80s. This is just precisely how to describe the lasting effect the phenomenal production of The Wedding Singer at Fairfax High School on Saturday, May 7. From the first notes of "It's Your Wedding Day" to the final poses of "Act II Finale", the energy and charisma of both the flawless ensemble and the lovable guild of main characters took the audience in, making them feel apart of the action on stage.

Originally a major motion picture, the musical combines fun Broadway tunes with the lovable story line. Tragically left at the altar, Robbie's entire concept of love is pulled out from under him. However, he befriends the nice waitress Julia, and soon finds his idea of love shift again, but this time in favor of her.

Led impeccably by the main character Robbie Hart (Elijah King), the shows twists and turns featured intricate vocals and superb acting. Robbie's hilarious, hopeless romantic persona was enchanting, from his charming numbers as the lead singer of the wedding band, to his heartbroken asides sprawled out on his bed in his grandmother's basement. Every one of his many solos was perfectly executed in both technicality and emotion, as the forever lovable "Robbie" shined through.

Accompanied by his two friend Sammy (Matthew Velasco) on bass and George (Zion Jang) on tambourine and keyboard, the band was truly a spectacle. Through his lovely wedding songs to their hilarious Bar Mitzvah tunes, the group of friends was dazzling. The Boy George-inspired character of George was hilariously magical in his singing, dancing, and antics with Sammy.

Julia (Rachel Cahoon) was another enchanting character that the audience adored with her sweet humor. Her wonderful vocals hit every note with passion and accuracy. Paired with her friend Holly (Molly Berry), whose bold character stood out among the rest especially in songs like "Saturday Night in the City", the two were the friends, whose silliness transcended the wall between the stage and the audience.

Other marvelous characters like Linda (Renee Rozell) and Glen (Darien Weems) kept the audience laughing, even through their antagonist natures. Above the tight ensemble harmonies, the student-choreographed dances were truly awe-inspiring. Choreographed by students Katie Tomney and Lila Johnson, every song had perfect moves to match. Another under-appreciated pairing was that of the First Bride (Katie Tomney) and the First Groom (Michael Sulpizio), whose dancing appeared in a majority of the numbers with energy and technique, which was just plain fun to watch.

Aside from the amazing action on stage, the student-made sets, props, and special effects were superior for a high school stage. The colorful set was beautiful to look at and impressively made, as were the props, like the glow-in-the-dark ties and briefcases. The special effects, such as smoke engulfing the stage and water raining down on the cast, were surprising and flawless.

Through the ups and downs of each character, the audience was truly connected. Through soaring vocals, the audience was truly along for the ride. And through the impressive effects, the audience was sitting at the edge of their seats. The Wedding Singer was a spectacular show any theater fanatic would be lucky to see. Even after the curtains closed, everyone was still tapping their feet and humming the infectious tunes.

Shanthi Gnanasekaran
Bishop Ireton High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Fairfax

Based off the hysterical 1998 romantic comedy, an 80's tale of misfortune turned love was brought to life in the production of The Wedding Singer by Fairfax High School's FX Players. The audience was welcomed into a buzzing theater playing 80s classics, complete with VIP seating featuring righteous refreshments. The lights dimmed, only to give way to a sparkling display from a rotating disco ball, and a spectacular opening number complete with big hair, neon colors, and wild prints. Whether it was the innocent, sweet chemistry between Robbie and Julia, the toe-tapping beats from the pit orchestra during interludes, or the impressive, energetic choreography, the totally tubular performance by the FX Players had audience members on the edge of their seats for the entire show.

Adapted into a successful musical in 2006, the show portrays a quest of love by singer Robbie Hart, who performs wedding gigs along with his fellow band members George and Sammy. Hart is engaged to a fellow 80's rock fan Linda, but she cruelly abandons him at the altar, leaving him emotionally and mentally distraught. It is only when he strikes up an evolving friendship with waitress Julia Sullivan that he realizes he was wrong about love, and must find a way to deter his new love from marrying an egotistical businessman, proving to all that marriage should not be for wealth, but instead for true love.

Robbie Hart, played by Elijah King, put on a charismatic, stunning performance, and was impeccably realistic as his somewhat overdramatic character. With excellent vocal control and a degree of familiarity on the stage only found in professionals, King commanded the stage in a truly remarkable manner. Rachel Cahoon was equally extraordinary as Julia Sullivan, and truly embodied the quaint nature of her character with a lilting, sweet soprano. The familiar body language and harmonious chemistry between King and Cahoon was something to behold, as they convinced the audience most thoroughly of their undying love for one another.

Other notable performances were by George (Zion Jang), Linda (Renee Rozell), and Holly (Molly Berry). Jang had the audience doubling over in laughter in every scene he was in, oozing just the right amount of sass and flair, while also displaying an impressive vocal range. Rozell was excellent as the catty ex-fiancée, and wowed the audience with her vocal skills as a rock n' roll fanatic along with a personality as spiky as her faux black wig. Berry exemplified her somewhat promiscuous role in a spectacular manner, and surprised the audience with her powerful soprano numerous times throughout the show.

Despite a few issues with microphone volume, the technical aspects of the show, including costumes and lighting mainly, were spot on. The over-embellished colors and prints were quite appropriate to the time period, and added to the humor of the show, while multiple applications of mood lighting helped to depict different tones throughout the show, such as the bright red lighting in the club scene. Equally impressive were the bouncing, multi-colored spotlights in the finale, which added a heightened level of brightness to the scene. The superb performance by Fairfax High School's FX Players was truly a dramatic masterpiece, and received a standing ovation for what can only be described as the wedding of the century.

Neal Going
James Madison High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Poofy hair, neon scrunchies, disco music, and shoulder pads… Does this sound like a cheesy 80's roller skating rink? Not exactly! It's Fairfax High School's stunning rendition of The Wedding Singer.

The 1998 movie starring Adam Sandler hit Broadway in 2006 garnering five Tony nominations, including Best Musical. The Wedding Singer follows the story of Robbie Hart, an unacclaimed lead singer of a wedding band, as he struggles with being left at the altar by his beloved, Linda. Following his rejection, he develops a relationship with a meek waitress at his work, Julia Sullivan; however, her unfaithful fiancee blocks their destined love. Through ballads in the dumpster, mingling in disco parties, and the help of Las Vegas celebrity impersonators, the couple unites in star-crossed marriage.

Each actor and actress in the thirty-nine person cast delivered an energetic, engaging performance with crisp choreography, robust vocals, and comedic characterization. The Fairfax High School FX Players expertly immersed the audience in 1980's culture, leaving some audience members nostalgic and others electrified.

Elijah King comedically and touchingly portrayed Robbie Hart as he battled the barriers of life. King adroitly functioned as the lead of the band and confused lover of Julia, growing from an immature singer to a respectable husband. Rachel Cahoon matched King's development as Julia Sullivan. The couple shined in heart-warming duets, including "If I Told You", in which Cahoon's gentle voice blended with King's into beautiful harmonies.

The show stopper of the night was "Saturday Night in the City" starring Molly Berry (Holly). Berry belted rock and roll notes and executed complex choreography all while wearing a racy red bustier; ending the number with the pull of a cord suspended from the ceiling, Berry was drenched in a bucket of water and raucous applause. Delivering an equally captivating performance, Zion Jang (George) tickled the audience's funny bone as the flamboyant member of the band with his slapstick comedy and deadpan deliveries. Jang shined with Emily Dillard (Rosie), Robbie's grandmother, in "Move That Thing" as they completed cartwheels, rapping, and even the worm. Renee Rozell dazzled the audience in her ephemeral goodbye note to Robbie, "A Note from Linda"; Rozell's rock and roll performance-- topped with a mullet-- ended with a belt and smoke blasting up from the stage. Katie Tomney and Michael Sulpizio (1st Bride and 1st Groom, respectively) stood above the rest with their professional-like dancing, including Sulpizio tossing Tomney in the air and Tomney landing upside down, hanging onto Sulpizio by her feet. The Table Nine/Losers of each wedding (Mikaela Fenn, Ian Kirkland, Janey Silas, and Hayden Giles) left audience members in stitches with their oddities.

Katie Tomney and Lila Johnson thoughtfully choreographed each number with special attention to engaging every actor in the scene. Astutely designed vignettes of wedding guests drinking, laughing, and crying accompanied soliloquies of leads, King and Cahoon. Jonah Hurley prudently designed the set to account for both efficiency in performance and believability in establishing sixteen diverse locations. With collapsable tables that turned into wall hangings and a two story set, Hurley took advantage of expanding the production to its full potential, although actors could not be seen at times due to lighting and some set pieces were incompletely painted. Costume designer Riley Mead formed two hundred and ninety costumes, including three tear-aways, to fit the period-- neon parachute pants, flowing gowns, and all.

Fairfax High School FX Players brought the culture and party of the 80's to life earning them wide grins and a standing ovation.

Samantha Carley
Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

A wedding is a magical thing. All the beautiful gowns, the usually satisfactory food, and the brilliant wedding singer busting out all the classics to make the bride and groom's day truly perfect. In Fairfax High School's production of the Wedding Singer, that job belongs to Robbie Hart (Elijah King), an aloof twenty-something who wants nothing more than to experience the love he witness at all the weddings he plays. The comedic musical follows his misadventures as Robbie searches for his one true love.

Originally an Adam Sandler film, The Wedding Singer was written as a musical and subsequently opened on Broadway in 2006. Fairfax High School's rendition of this wonderful musical comedy was masterful, and amazing. They took full advantage of an array of technical special effects including strobes, fog machines, and an epic recreation of the Flashdance ‘shower' dance. All these effects added to the atmosphere of the show, which was set in 1985. In addition to the effects, choreography was absolutely stunning. Katie Tomney, and Lila Johnson, both cast members and students, headed the choreography which included classic 80's moves such as the moonwalk, and intricately complex lifts that went off without a hitch. Both girls looked like professional dancers on stage, and have quite the future ahead of them. Costuming was also quite reminiscent of the 80's. Loud outfits, bright colors, lots of scrunci's, and at least one glorious mullet gave the cast a full look that added to the production brilliantly.

The cast itself was just as wonderful as the special effects, with the entire ensemble consisting of equally good actors, dancers, and singers. Not a single member of the ensemble was off beat, and each stuck to their own respective storyline within the main plot, bringing a level of depth to the already fabulous performance. In particular the group of ensemble members known as Table 9/Losers (Janey Silas, Mikaela Fenn, Hayden Giles, Ian Kirkland) used their well placed body movement and overall crazy comedy to make the audience constantly entertained and laughing. In the main cast Robbie (Elijah Wood), was radiant on stage. His quirky mannerisms, beautiful voice, and sense of comedic timing made Wood perfect for the role, and helped him convey the story of Robbie wonderfully. Linda (Renee Rozell), Robbie's ex, and Julia Sullivan (Rachel Cahoon), his one true love, used their vocal abilities masterfully, and commanded the stage with the presence of well seasoned actresses. George (Zion Jang), a bandmate of Robbie reminiscent of Boy George, was the highlight of the comedic aspects of the show. His boisterous movements, andromedus personality, and quick, sharp delivery of lines showcased Jang's ability as an actor. His song with Rosie (Emily Dillard), Robbie's grandmother, called ‘Move That Thang' was hilarious and further showed audiences Jang's range in comedy.

Fairfax High School's production of the Wedding Singer was defined by the overwhelming greatness that exuberated from the entire cast and crew. Fairfax High School brought the magic of weddings, and the wonders of love to their stage for an experience like no other.

Kelly Brents
James Madison High School
Submitted for publication to Rebel Roar

As the first few chords of an electric guitar resonate throughout the auditorium, the clock turns back to 1986 where the culture of rock and roll is thriving. With big hair and even bigger personalities, Fairfax High School put on a phenomenal production of "The Wedding Singer".

The Wedding Singer was first produced as a romantic comedy film in 1998, and went on to be adapted into a Broadway musical in 2006, with music by Matthew Sklar. The show received five Tony nominations, including Best Musical.

Taking place in the rocking 1980s, The Wedding Singer follows the story of recently-heartbroken lead singer Robbie Hart, as he falls in love with waitress Julia Sullivan. She becomes engaged to a man that, as Robbie puts it, is a "jerkoff". With the help of his fellow band members and a few unexpected individuals, he overcomes all obstacles to win over Julia and is finally able to sing at his own wedding to the woman he loves.

Leading man Elijah King (Robbie Hart) stole the show. He showed impressive character development as he went through many emotions throughout the production; delighted, depressed, drunk, and everything in between. King also learned to play the guitar for this role, showing true dedication to his character. His true connection with Rachel Cahoon (Julia) was evident and the two performers were able to show how the two strangers genuinely fell for each other. Their heart-warming rendition of "If I Told You" was touching and made their final reunion even more spectacular.

The show would not have been complete without the exceptionally talented supporting cast. Renee Rozell stood out in her provocative portrayal of Robbie's ex-fiancé, Linda. Her larger than life persona filled the stage. Emily Dillard's comedic portrayal of the hilarious break dancing Grandma Rosie also helped drive the show to success.

Robbie, along with a ragtag group of losers, showcased the woes of heartbreak during their lament "Causality of Love". The losers (consisting of Mikaela Fenn, Hayden Giles, Ian Kirkland, and Janey Silas) had a ferocious bitterness throughout the number that was relatable to all who've felt the same despair after a breakup. The four performers thrashed around on stage with total commitment and even interacted with audience members. Other noteworthy performances in both group and featured numbers were Michael Sulpizio and Katie Tomney. The pair brought professionalism and intensity to their dancing, executing high lifts and complicated turns with ease. They led the entire ensemble in complex choreography that was perfectly in sync.

The technical team worked tirelessly to make sure the ‘80s vibe was incredibly evident in the make-up, hair, and sets. Although there were some inconsistencies to the period with certain costumes, the bright colors mixed with the teased hair got the vision across. Special effects by Jonah Hurley and Aren Tifft contributed greatly to the overall feel of the show. A disco ball hung from the ceiling allowed for the complete engagement of the audience. During one of the numbers, water drenched one of the performers, paying homage to the classic 80s film "Flashdance". The combined efforts of the tech crews made for a technically solid show.

The energy, talent, and overall enthusiasm of the Fairfax Players made for an outstanding production that left the audience wanting to "move that thang".