HoCoMoJo

Independent MObile JOurnalism Showcasing the "mojo" of HOward COunty

Information

Howard County STARs

Location: Howard County, MD
Members: 190
Latest Activity: Apr 1

River Hill High School Proudly Presents Footloose

STARS Night for River Hill's Footloose is Wednesday, March 14 @ 7:00 p.m.

The River Hill High School Theatre Arts Department is busy rehearsing their March 2012 production of Footloose.  RHHS Theatre Arts teacher, Pam Land, will direct and co-choreograph with RHHS dance teacher, Jenn Hennessie, RHHS Parent and Studio Dans director, Dana Keane, and student choreographers, Sophie Keane, Sam Thach, and Sarah Land.  Assisting as student directors are Kim Moseman, Meera Mysore, Emily Ogorzalek and Camille Veselka. The set is designed by RHHS 07’ Theatre Arts Alum, Michael Leon. A long-time friend of RHHS Theatre Arts, Joe Blasko, will direct the construction of the set with assistance by RHHS alumni parent, George Stone. A crew of more than 25 dedicated students (lead by new student stage manager, Tim Wruck) will build the sets and props and run the show for each performance. RHHS Director of Bands, M. Joseph Fischer will prepare the student band of 13 and Helen Hayes Award winner, Doug Lawler, will conduct the band and play piano for rehearsals and during the performances. Rhonda De La Mar, RHHS math teacher, will coordinate the costumes for the cast of more than 60, with the assistance of a wonderful team of parent volunteers.

           

            Footloose The Musical opened on Broadway in October 1998 and thrilled audiences for 709 performances. Inspired by the wildly popular 1984 movie, it’s a story of American spirit and the communication struggles between teens and parents.  A carefree city kid is transplanted to a conservative rural town where rock n’ roll and dancing are forbidden.  He takes on the authorities, makes all the right moves (and a few mistakes), learns a few things,  and wins the heart of the girl and the hearts of the town in the end.  The show features all the chart topping and toe tapping music from the film (“Almost Paradise”, “Holding Out For A Hero”, “Let’s Hear It For The Boy”, and--- “Footloose”) mixed with new material written specifically for the musical.  The story and the music will appeal to all ages!  By the end, everybody in the audience will want to “cut loose, footloose!”    

           

            The cast of over 60 RHHS students includes Gabby Almario (Ren McCormack), Sylvie Staines (Ariel Moore), Josh Kashkett (Willard), Emily Hostetler (Rusty), Jason Rodriguez (Rev. Moore), Juliette Rose (Mrs. Moore), Jen Warner (Vi McCormack), along with featured performances by Emily Ogorzalek, Zach Allentuck, Chris Hogenson, Camille Veselka, Hannah Floyd, Kim Gover, Shashwati Das, Sophie Keane, Kelly Gregory, Julian Berry, Brandon Norwood, David Fisher, Jack Fitzpatrick, Jen Chidekel, Morgan Benner, Brandon Dial, Kyle McKee, Chris Johnson and Sarah Land

 

Performance Dates and Ticket Information – Footloose

All performances take place in the River Hill High School auditorium.

The performance dates are March 14, 15, 16, and 17 @ 7:00 p.m. and March 18 @ 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are $11.00 in advance and $12.00 at the door.

 

ADVANCED TICKET SALE PRICE ($11.00) WILL BE HONORED AT THE DOOR, IF YOU BRING A NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEM. All food donations will go to The Howard County Food Bank.

 

 

 

Advanced sale of tickets are as follows;

 

  • Online (now) via  “Seat yourself" at http://www.seatyourself.biz/rhhs
  • RHHS Front Office - beginning Tuesday, February 14 (Monday – Friday from 7:00AM -2:30PM) Ask to see Carla Styczynski, the RHHS bookkeeper.
  • In Front of the RHHS Dining Hall - beginning Monday, March 12 (Monday - Fri from 10:30AM – 12:30 PM) to Friday, March 16.
  • Box Office (opens 90 minutes before curtain)

 

If you have questions, or need further information contact Pam Land (pland@hcpss.org)

or 410-313-7120.

 

                                                                       

Discussion Forum

New arts programs for the adult folks of Howard County offered by HCRP.

Started by Karen Bradley Ehler Apr 1. 0 Replies

New programs for this spring.We are experimenting a little here and hope to get enough interest. if we don't, then these programs could be canceled. If you know if anyone 18 and over interested in…Continue

Glenelg High School Presents "Bye Bye Birdie"

Started by Emily Schweich. Last reply by Dirk Holzman Apr 10, 2012. 4 Replies

"Bye Bye Birdie" is a classic…Continue

Tags: Birdie, Bye, School, High, Glenelg

Urinetown

Started by Lauren Tobiason. Last reply by Dirk Holzman Apr 10, 2012. 3 Replies

Performances at Hammond…Continue

Tags: Theater, Theatre, Hammond, Urinetown, Musical

Smokey Joe's Cafe

Started by Tracy Adler Mar 23, 2012. 0 Replies

Wilde Lake HS Spring MusicalMarch 8, 9, 10 20127pmLeiber and Stoller, as much as anyone, virtually invented rock 'n' roll, and now their songs provide the basis for an electrifying entertainment that…Continue

Once on This Island at Oakland Mills High School

Started by Mr. Fleming. Last reply by Stephanie Ichniowski Mar 11, 2012. 2 Replies

Oakland Mills High School9410 Kilimanjaro RoadColumbia, MD 21045 Show Dates:March 8 - 7PMMarch 9 - 7PMMarch 10 - 7PMMarch 11 - 2PM Tickets online:…Continue

Tags: Musical, Theatre, OM, OMHS, Island

Reservoir High School presents "LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL"

Started by Jessica Binder. Last reply by Swinita Shah Mar 9, 2012. 5 Replies

Good day, HC STARs.  Please feel free to post your articles below.The exhilarating musical, Little Women, is an adaptation of the book by Louisa May Alcott, based on her own family’s experiences.…Continue

Howard HS - Sideways Stories from Wayside School

Started by Marissa Troeschel. Last reply by Swinita Shah Mar 9, 2012. 4 Replies

Performance dates and times:Thursday, November 10 at 7pmFriday, November 11 at 7pmSaturday, November 12 at 7pmWhat it's all about:Based on the popular book series by Louis Sachar. Wayside School was…Continue

Marriotts Ridge Hich School Presents: Charley's Aunt

Started by Ilana Bittner. Last reply by Allison Woodhouse Feb 8, 2012. 13 Replies

Deception! Intrigue! Cross-dressing!No, it’s not a John Waters Film. . . it’s Charley’s Aunt!…Continue

Tags: play, arts, culture, theatre, starrs

Long Reach HS presents CHRISTMAS BELLES

Started by Marla Blasko. Last reply by Allison Woodhouse Feb 8, 2012. 11 Replies

December 1,2,3 at 7 PM and December 4 at 2PM Tickets are $9 and available at the door. It’s Christmas-time in the small town of Fayro, Texas, and the Futrelle Sisters — Frankie, Twink and Honey Raye…Continue

Comment Wall

Comment

You need to be a member of Howard County STARs to add comments!

Comment by Miles Morgan on March 30, 2010 at 2:43pm
It is a rare thing when two people fall in love and live happily ever after. It is even rarer when a wedding singer gets stood up at the altar by his fiancé, then falls for a waitress who is engaged to a stock and bonds mogul that sleeps around with various women. However, Reservoir High School’s musical rendition of the 1998 film “The Wedding Singer” is a rare feature that captures an audience with a touching story, topped with hilarious comedy and pleasing musical talent.
The show follows Robbie Hart (Dan Singer), a favorite among wedding entertainers, as he’s heart broken by his girlfriend of seven years, Linda (Allison Bradbury). With a love-at-first-sight meeting, Robbie falls for Julia Sullivan (Sarah Landing), who is engaged to workaholic player Glen Guglia (Thane Jones). As Robbie and Julia start to develop feelings for each other, twists and turns take place, confusion is at hand, and amusing characters tie everything together with the help of some 80s Vegas impersonators.
Director Jessica Binder definitely took on a challenge transforming the film, starring Adam Sandler, into a show that fits her stage. However, she did very well, casting Singer, who seemed to be channeling Sandler throughout the performance, and Landing, whose believable acting and harmonizing voice appealed to the audience in its entirety. Even with a few microphone difficulties, Singer sang strong and projected enough to give the audience a good performance. The duet between Singer and Landing (“Grow Old With You”) was spectacular. Though the show contained some corny jokes and vulgarity, it managed to draw laughter in abundance for its duration. The most humorous character by far was the flamboyant George (Sam Dooley), a member of Robbie’s band, Simply Wed. His effortless comedy brought the show’s viewers away from the heartbreak and into an escape where everybody smiles.
Even more impressing is the set and costumes. With no less than ten different sets, the seamless transitions between scenes is astounding in itself, not to mention the use of heights to make the stage appear even larger. The costumes took the auditorium back twenty-five years, when cat-ears were a hairstyle and you could dress flashily without a care in the world. The color spectrum was eye-catching to say the least, and attractive to anyone who had the pleasure of seeing it. The choreography, though just as flashy and appealing, lacked togetherness at times, and failed to keep tempo with the pit band, which played beautifully. The very Thriller-esque “Casualty of Love” managed to get a well earned applause, even without the energy it had the potential for.
“The Wedding Singer” was a showcase for talent. Musically, Singer’s Sandler voice paired with Landing’s to please the crowd, and Dooley’s natural ability to make people laugh held the show together. Through minor technical difficulties, the performers put on a great show under Binder’s direction. Appealing to the eyes and soothing to the ears, “The Wedding Singer” is a show worth seeing again and again.
Comment by Sarah Whiteford on March 25, 2010 at 3:58pm
The guests have arrived for the event of a lifetime, the setting is perfect and all the plans have come together for the wedding of the decade, or has it? Something, or someone, is missing. “Where’s the bride?” thought Robbie Hart as he took his place at the altar, poised for the start of his married life. Robbie’s bride doesn’t show, and his heartbreak leads us into the world of love, loss and parachute pants. A musical adventure to find love in the 80’s, what could be more awesome?
The story was entertaining and well performed but for me, the most memorable thing about Reservoir High School’s performance of The Wedding Singer was the vocal ability of the performers. The music from this play is very challenging, with a particularly bubbly “pop” style and a high belt range that requires experience and training to do well. Each of the main characters was not only proficient with the pop style and difficult harmonies; they performed the music with a grace and flare that is not often found on a high school stage. Daniel Singer did a fantastic job portraying the raging emotions that define Robbie Hart, his character. This willingness to push the limits with his character coupled with his exceptional guitar skill made him the perfect choice for this role. Sam Dooley put in an impressive performance as George, creating a memorable and believable character without taking his outrageous persona completely over the top. Another performer who merits special mention is Allison Bradbury, who portrayed Linda; this missing bride from the first act really made her songs and character a showstopper.
Attention to detail helped to make this story come alive for the audience. The tech support for this show was superb, with its proficient handling of quick set changes and different scenes. The sets and characters provided so many wonderful 80’s references that it was easy for the audience to feel like they had stepped back in time. The band was also helped to make the story line very believable, especially when George would have to sing and fill in for Robbie when he went on his excursions. In addition, the weddings that the band went to were portrayed differently, helping the audience to believe that each event was someone else’s special day. Finally, the ensemble’s energy throughout the entire play kept the story moving and the audience engaged. Reservoir High School’s performance of The Wedding Singer was a fun trip back and time and an enjoyable theatre experience.
Comment by Emily Anne Egert on March 23, 2010 at 3:21pm
The Wedding Singer, full of color, excitement, grandmothers, homosexual band mates, and love. This production at Reservoir High School was certainly a sight to see. The entire two hours of the show were so wonderful and full of laughter it was a disappointment to see it end. The setting was very well put together with lights all over and a very changeable set.
The story of The Wedding Singer is about a man named Robby Hart. Robby is in a band that frequently sings at Weddings. One night whole singing at a wedding he meets a girl named Julia. Julia is a waitress and she has a boyfriend whom does not treat her very well, breaking dates with her all the time and quite often cheating on her as well. Robby on the other hand has a fiancé, and he plans to marry her the night after he meets Julia, but Robby’s fiancé decides to not show up at the alter because Robby “cramps her style.” Robby is heart broken and Julia is newly engaged. Yet they seem to find each other’s company nice, so they spend a lot of time together, leading to a kiss. They both hide the fact that they are falling in love, and Julia continues with her plans for her wedding. The question is… will Robby continue to deny his feelings for Julia and will Julia marry the wrong guy, or will they decide to be together?
Reservoir did a great job at putting on this production. Every song revealed the comedy so well that they were perfect. Robby’s band was so well put together. There was the dumb guy who just had this dream that he would not let go of that he would be a rock stay some day. Sam Dooley played George, a homosexual band mate who had the entire audience in tears with laughter, every time he said something. His performance was perfect; he was so great that he had the audience on their feet.
In the scene after Robby was just dumped, Robby was all over the place, crying and singing and getting kicked out of the wedding. This is where I really felt Robby’s character, played by Daniel Singer, really come to life. He was so fantastic and really just a joy to watch. Daniel Singer also had a big character connection during the scene where he is singing at a Bar Mitzvah. Sarah Landy really impressed as Julia. The audience felt her kindness and her softness, and she had such a beautiful voice, she was perfect for the role of Julia.
This was really a very entertaining show to see and I would recommend it to anyone who had thought to go see a show. I really did enjoy everything about it: I loved the changes in the set, especially during the bedroom/window scene. And I loved the actors! This was a great production of The Wedding Singer.
Comment by Cody McNeeley on March 23, 2010 at 12:38am
The ‘80s were a time filled with big hair, crazy clothes, neon lights, raving nightclubs, new inventions, up-beat music, and crazy wedding singers, none of which were lacking from Reservoir High School’s production of The Wedding Singer.
Based on the hit movie staring Adam Sandler, The Wedding Singer is about a man, Robbie Hart, and his band that plays for weddings. However, through his many gigs, he meats a waitress, Julia Sullivan, and instantly bonds with her. They become great friends and start to hang out…a lot. They are both engaged to other people at the beginning, but time will only tell where their friendship will end up.
The Wedding Singer was a big, Broadway-style spectacle that kept the audience groovin’ in their seats and loving every minute. From two strong leads, a great supporting cast, crazy ‘80s costumes, and an amazing light-up set, The Wedding Singer had everything.
Daniel Singer played the crazy, yet charismatic wedding singer, Robbie Hart. He was full of life and energy through out the whole show, even when he was down in the dumps and stuck in the dumpster. He brought a great Adam Sandler-like charm to the character while still adding his own flare. He did a great job carrying this show, but he defiantly was not alone. Sarah Landy played the sweet waitress who would steal Robbie’s ‘Hart’. She had a pretty, but fun voice and was always in tune with what was going on around her. Through Julia’s ups and downs, she was always spot on with everything she did. She kept the audience and the show moving.
Joining the leads in greatness were Stephanie Ichniowski and Sam Dooley. Stephanie Ichniowski played Julia’s crazy friend, Holly. She was spunky, flirty, perky, and even got a bucket of water dumped on her. She always had a smile on her face and was bursting with energy. Sam Dooley played George, Robbie’s flamboyant band-mate. He was hilarious to say the least. He was always there to put a smile on the audience’s face and get a laugh. He did a great job of shinning when need-be, but not overdoing George’s flamboyancy and over shining other people’s moments in the spotlight.
The technical aspects of the show were phenomenal. The majority of act one took place in a wedding reception hall, complete with color-changing windows that danced along with the cast and music. These turned around to become six light up squared to add dancing space and levels to this crazy show. Oh, and did I mention that a bucket of water was dumped on Holly at the end of Act I in a tribute to Flashdance. The crew also did a very good job moving the many set pieces quickly and efficiently.
The Wedding Singer was defiantly a blast to the past. There was never a dull moment, which was true to the up-beat era it was set in. Reservoir’s The Wedding Singer was defiantly one of this seasons shows to see and remember…☺
Comment by Nancy Erickson on March 22, 2010 at 3:10pm
Rock ‘n’ roll, parachute pants and trombone solos. Not exactly a standard wedding combination. But just like weddings, love is never standardized as Reservoir High School demonstrated in their recent production of The Wedding Singer.

Originally a 1998 movie, The Wedding Singer was adapted into a Tony-nominated musical in 2006 for Broadway. As a wedding singer, Robbie Hart is used to being surrounded by other people’s love stories. After being stood up on his own wedding day and spiraling into a depression, he is pieced back together by his friend Julia. As his feelings for her grow stronger, Robbie must ask himself the question: why would she ever trade her wealthy business man fiancé for a rock star wanna-be wedding singer?

An intoxicated best man, a hairy hobo, and a slew of Vegas celebrity impersonators rounded off the multitude of quirky walk-on characters that sprinkled The Wedding Singer with charming humor. Reservoir’s ensemble and choreography referenced the show’s 1980’s setting with a wink, even having a character at one point pull a chain to dump water on herself ala Flashdance.

Daniel Singer sincerely captured the lovable vulnerability of Robbie. He added to his excellent acting performance by actually playing guitar onstage and by singing admirably, as noted especially when he managed to project even with a broken microphone. As Julia, Sarah Landy was equally endearing with her sweet soprano and temperament, beautifully expressing her character’s kindness and romanticism. Together, Singer and Landy effortlessly created a genuine and natural chemistry that warmed the stage and the audience’s heart.

Sam Dooley stole the show with his hysterical performance as Robbie’s flamboyant bandmate George. His over-the-top feminine physicality regularly engulfed the theatre in uncontrollable laughter especially in his ridiculous rendition of “George’s Prayer” which highlighted his trombone talents. As Julia’s pig of a fiancé Glen, Thane Jones captured his character with his larger-than-life facial expressions and stage-presence. Allison Bradbury diva-ed up the stage as Robbie’s sleazy ex-girlfriend Linda with her rich rock ‘n’ roll belt and droll, blasé attitude.

The crowning jewel of The Wedding Singer was the incredible amount of intricate and well-constructed set pieces, ranging from a nightclub to a corporate office to an airplane exterior. Reservoir’s stage crew adeptly maneuvered these structures continuously throughout the evening without tedious waiting periods. Complementing the set was Tina Howard’s lighting, whose complex design had it practically dancing along with the actors. The costumes (Robin Trenner) and makeup were loud and louder, decorating the stage with true 1980’s vibrancy in all its technicolor glory.

At times The Wedding Singer suffered from a disparity between the contagious energy of the chorus and the actual quality of the dancing itself. However, despite this minor point Reservoir High School still successfully showed audiences that with humor, perseverance—and legwarmers—love can prevail.
Comment by Cameron Cox on March 21, 2010 at 12:16pm
With connections to leg warmers, Rock and Roll, and Flash Dance, Reservoir High School's performance of "The Wedding Singer" last Thursday night was a show to see. A show filled with pop culture references and high-energy songs, "The Wedding Singer" is based on the 1998 Adam Sandler film of the same name, and debuted on Broadway in 2006. Subsequently, it has branched off into several international tours.

Set in Ridgefield, New Jersey circa 1985, "The Wedding Singer" tells the story of Robbie Hart (Daniel Singer), a wedding singer engaged to his long-time girlfriend Linda (Allison Bradbury). When Linda leaves him at the alter, he finds himself drawn to Julia Sullivan (Sarah Landy), a waitress engaged to a womanizing high-power businessman named Glenn Gulia (Thane Jones) whom she is marrying for his money.

Reservoir High School's production was booming with energy, and convincingly captured the cultural hallmarks and eccentricities of the 80's.

Daniel Singer played Robbie Hart with a stage presence that could not be missed, and successfully kept the Adam Sandler character throughout the entire show, as was evident in songs such as "Somebody Kill Me" and "Today You Are Man." As Julia Sullivan, Sarah Landy had all the charm necessary for the role, and a strong voice that shone, particularly in "If I Told You." She really brought the audience into her world, making her a stand out!

Playing the part of George, a member of Robbie's band, Sam Dooley’s comedic timing made his flamboyant Boy George-inspired character one of the more memorable characters keeping the audience in stitches from laughter with just the raise of a hand to his great falsetto voice. As Holly, Stephanie Ichnlowski made the part her own and was another stand out performer! With numbers like, “Right in Front of Your Eyes” her voice sailed through audience with precision.

Reservoirs performance was incredibly animated. The entire ensemble performed with an ardor and zeal not often matched. The choreography, while moderately easy, was flawless in its execution. Overall, the ensemble contributed greatly to the overall performance.

The orchestra did a great job, providing enough musical context to really add to the 80's theme. While it did occasionally overpower the chorus, in all other respects they delivered a flawless performance. The stage transitions were also swift and efficient, and kept the show running smoothly. The sets they had were incredible from a dumpster to a light up glowing box that could turn around and change into windows!!

With an impassioned and upbeat performance, Reservoir High School has indeed proven that "love is what they do."

- Cameron Cox
Comment by Sarah Sexton on March 21, 2010 at 10:16am
Girls twirling in bright dresses and cooing over the newlywed couple sharing a dance in the middle of the dance floor. A band of would-be rock stars liven up the room with their music as much as with their fabulous hairdos. A sweet, pretty waitress swoons over the bride dreaming of “someday when it’s me.” And at the center of the party is a charismatic performer, The Wedding Singer.

The Wedding Singer, based on the 1998 movie starring Adam Sandler, follows the story of Robbie Hart, a man who makes every wedding perfect but can’t save his own when the bride runs off, leaving the wedding singer alone at the altar. As he wallows in despair, the only one who helps console him is the lovely waitress, Julia Sullivan. What begins as a casual acquaintance grows into a playful friendship and slowly into a romance. The only problem is Julia’s fiancé, Wall Street shark Glen Guglia. Now Robbie has found the right girl, but will she choose him over her wealthy fiancé?

The cast at Reservoir High School brought the audience back to the 80s, complete with appearances from Billy Idol, Tina Turner, and Cyndi Lauper impersonators! The energy of the ensemble made every scene engaging to watch. The ensemble shined in numbers like the hilarious “Casualty of Love” and the more sultry “Saturday Night in the City.”

Daniel Singer as Robbie Hart emulated Adam Sandler’s character while still making the role his own with his adept comic timing and charming charisma. His rock tenor voice was perfect for the wannabe rock star character. He was engaging and relatable from start to finish as he faced love’s ups and downs. His chemistry with Sarah Landy, as Julia Sullivan, was absolutely undeniable and quirkily endearing. Landy was both genuine and compelling. Her sweet and pure voice matched her naïve, starry-eyed romantic character.

A standout crowd pleaser was Sam Dooley as George, the flamboyant, gay keyboardist in Robbie’s band. His feminine mannerisms, hip swaying, hair twirling, eyelash batting, and hilarious use of his gorgeous falsetto had the audience in stitches. Thane Jones was suave and confident as Julia’s conceited, greedy fiancé, Glen Gulia. He was devilishly crafty as he smooth-talked to Julia then spoke to Robbie with a snarky, antagonizing air. Although her time onstage was short, Allison Bradbury gave a fantastic performance as Robbie’s would-be bride, the punk rock princess Linda. Her powerhouse voice, teased hair, and fog-accompanied solo made her unforgettable.

The production elements greatly enhanced the quality of the performance. The sets were extensive, from wedding receptions to nightclubs in NYC to airplanes, and each one was beautifully executed. Lighting was tactfully used to heighten the drama onstage with spotlights, colored lights, and even strobes.

The story ends much like it began, only this time, the sweet, pretty waitress has finally reached the day when it’s her turn to be the glowing bride standing next her groom, who just so happens to be at the center of the party once again, and this time it’s his wedding. The feel-good comedy performance leaves the audience believing in Robbie’s words, “Love will find you.”
Comment by Holly Rainville on March 21, 2010 at 10:01am
Leg warmers, shoulder pads, headbands, and yes, wedding singers, Reservoir’s production of The Wedding Singer blew the 80’s out of the water with their flamboyant exaggerations of this hilarious decade. The production was joy to watch and exceeded all expectations.

This fun-loving new musical just came off of Broadway’s stages, but Reservoir High School was soon to follow in their tracks with a fantastic display of high belting and 80’s dancing. The story follows Robbie Hart (Daniel Singer), a wedding singer, as he is dumped on the alter and has to make the best of his dead-end job. To help him along the way, Julia Sullivan (Sarah Landy) becomes close with Robbie while still engaged to money-loving Glen (Thane Jones). Eventually, Julia and Robbie realize their true feelings for each other and through many misadventures like a trip to Vegas, Robbie’s ex-fiancé returning, and running into pop star impersonators, the two are married to live the rest of their lives together.

This musical comedy brought light into the theater with Reservoir’s use of the entire stage and huge chorus. There was never a dull moment on stage as the dancing, singing and hilarious acting covered all the bases of good theater. The variety of characters was astounding; at times the different characters in the ensemble overpowered the neutral personalities of Julia and Robbie.

Sarah Landy had a lot to live up to following Drew Barrymore and Laura Benanti in the role of Julia, however she was able to pull it off! Her voice floated over all other characters and her dainty character was unique from the rest of the crazy 80’s. Daniel Singer was obviously doing his best Adam Sandler impression during the whole show. It worked perfectly for his character as well. He was able to show his talent through the guitar, his voice, and his comical delivery of all of his lines. A difficult part to play in a high school production, Holly was portrayed by Stephanie Ichniowski. Her wonderful impersonation of Madonna was evident in every aspect of her character from her clothes to her voice.

Robbie’s band performed beyond expectations. In the film, the band is really not important to the plot, however the musical brings George (Sam Dooley) and Sammy (Ryan Dorsen) to the front of the stage. Boy George, a notorious drag queen, was extremely funny. He utilized the homosexuality of his character to make every character stand aside for his comedy. His band mate Sammy had a hilarious “flock of seagulls” hairstyle that fit in perfectly with the 80’s. The rest of the ensemble took over the stage with just their size.

The costumes for every single character were absolutely perfect for a comedy set in the 80’s. There wasn’t one character that looked as if they belonged in our decade. The lighting helped the story along considerably. The spotlights were always there n time and the color always matched the mood of the scene. Reservoir’s set was amazing because of the details that were put into it. The set included Robbie’s bedroom complete with a vibrating bed) and a church background that flipped around to reveal a club setting similar to Hollywood squares, which also functioned as the offices of the high-class workers in Glen’s company.

The highly complicated production of The Wedding Singer exceeded all anticipations with its 80’s choreography, hairstyles, and costumes. This show was overall a complete success and great entertainment for all audience members.
Comment by Kris Keochinda on March 21, 2010 at 9:52am
Who do you call when “It’s Your Wedding Day?” In Reservoir High School’s production of The Wedding Singer you call Robbie Hart!

Adapted from the beloved 90’s comedy starring Adam Sandler, The Wedding Singer revolves around Robbie Hart, New Jersey’s most popular wedding singer. He loves his job, until his fiancée, Linda, leaves him at the altar. However, he forms a friendship with Julia, a waitress who works the same weddings as Robbie. As they notice that there may be more to their relationship, Julia has to deal with her own fiancée, the vain, yet successful, Glen Guglia.

Being the first performance of The Wedding Singer in Howard County, this production succeeds in proving the need for more contemporary fare to be performed in the county. The numbers were laden with 80s pop culture references and the actors brought tremendous energy to the stage with enticing numbers like “Someday” and “If I Told You.”

Daniel Singer truly lived up to his last name, he was a superb Robbie Hart. Channeling Adam Sandler he had the voice and mannerisms down. Instead of being the typical rock band hopeful, Singer made Hart a nerdy guy, one that won the audiences’ affections. Sarah Landy was an adorable Julia whose voice shined in every number. This is especially true in “Someday” which Landy sang with enough hope that could make the most pessimistic audience member a hopeless romantic. The chemistry between Singer and Landy were magical. It simply was not the same when these two were not together. Their harmony in “If I Told You” was enchanting and a delight to the ears.

Other notable actors include Sam Dooley as George and Allison Bradbury as Linda. Dooley was responsible for single-handedly stealing the show. He was always in character and it was entertaining to just watch him interact with the other characters when he wasn’t speaking. His tear-inducing rendition of “George’s Prayer” was an over-the-top smash, bringing in plenty of laughs. Bradbury had the voice of a diva and commanded attention in “Let Me Come Home.” She was the epitome of trashy, which was perfect for her character.

The impersonators were a great ensemble that made the finale filled with laughs. 80’s celebrities such as Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Tina Turner, and Cindy Lauper were lampooned by actors a fraction of their age. The actors were all committed to their assigned celebrity and matched their minutiae qualities.

The sets were a sight to behold. A Rubik’s cube colored dance club exuded 80’s cheese. The vibrating bed bit also served the show well in putting the audience into the 80’s. Julia’s bedroom was also an impressive piece which allowed the audience to see it from the inside and the outside, from Robbie’s point of view. Stage crew was also impressive in bringing the overwhelming amount of set pieces out in a seamless fashion. There were moments in which it seemed like the stage crew was not going to be able to bring a set piece out in time, but they overcame the challenge and were true professionals.

Like the DeLorean in Back to the Future, The Wedding Singer transported everyone back in time to the 80’s when things were a lot less technologically advanced, but love was still just as complicated.
Comment by Nihal Singh on March 21, 2010 at 9:50am
Infused with the energy of the Eighties yet hinting at classical antiquity’s sense that it was all destined to be thus, Reservoir High School’s production of The Wedding Singer couldn’t help but be a resounding success, what with Daniel Singer playing the “Wedding Singer.”

Divine music in the form of a keyboard’s key getting stuck marks the meeting of wedding singer Robbie Hart and waitress Julia Sullivan. Having been jilted at the altar by his girlfriend of seven years, his friendship with Julia, the girl who can make him “Come out of the Dumpster,” grows into something much more. Will true love prevail over a myriad of mishaps, mistakes, and misunderstandings, not to mention Julia’s rich cheating jerk-of-a-boyfriend, or is the Wedding Singer fated to be just another “Casualty of Love?”

The infectious electricity of the Eighties was in the air, and was aptly conducted by the vibrant costume colors and dynamic dancing. A stunning set, laudable leads, and creative choreography further marked Reservoir’s production.

Sarah Landy as Julia and Daniel Singer as the Wedding Singer shared wonderful onstage chemistry. Sarah had fantastic stage presence, a refreshingly genuine feel to her line delivery, and an extremely powerful voice. Daniel came across as equally earnest and sang well, often to his own guitar accompaniment.

Linda, George, and Grandma Rosie were also very much worthy of note. Linda’s two songs exuded attitude and showcased a dynamic vocal range, George’s mannerisms were delightful throughout, and Rosie brought life to her very lively character of Robbie’s grandmother. Holly proved a powerful vocalist while Glen really got into the Eighties groove with his dance moves. The chorus members as well should be noted for their strong sound and spontaneous dance, wonderfully complemented by the phenomenal instrumentalists.

From accommodating a Bar Mitzvah scene to a White House Wedding in Vegas, a dumpster to a charming airplane, the set was built to dazzle. The various levels facilitated some fascinating blocking. Julia’s bedroom was on wheels, and once turned around one hundred and eighty degrees, showed the exterior of her house with her head visible through window. With Robbie gazing up at her pensively from the street complete with a realistic streetlamp, homage was paid to the classic Romeo and Juliet balcony scene. The color scheme varied in relation to the progress of the plot. Initially in bold magenta and teal when Robbie was at the height of his career and success, the four great cubes and costumes gave way to greedy greens as Robbie seeks out Glen’s help to become rich, and therefore he thinks, more attractive to Julia. It was great that quite a few characters were miced, though the sound system acted up on a couple occasions. However, it is testimony to the training and talent of the actors and actresses that such technical difficulties left them unfazed, and that they were able to project or belt and still be clearly audible.

Having audience members on their feet in seconds, Reservoir High School’s The Wedding Singer closed its curtains to well-earned, thunderous applause. Sorry Glen. Apparently, it’s not “All about the Green.”
 

Members (189)

 
 
 

HoCoMoJo is Sponsored By:

Social Media MoJo


© 2013   Created by Ilana Bittner.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service






Creative Commons License
HoCoMoJo by HoCoMoJo is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.