Welcome to The Regatta Players' production of The Wedding Singer! I'm not usually one to jump at the chance to write a director's note, but for this particular show, I felt it was necessary to give you, our audience, a glimpse into why this production is so special to me.
I'm sure you, like most people, find that you can connect personally to certain movies, books, plays, works of art, etc. And there's usually one work that stands out above all the rest that seems to speak specifically to you. It may seem strange, but I find that special emotional connection with Adam Sandler's The Wedding Singer, and of course, the subsequent musical. True, the story features an 80's-tastic troupe of Vegas impersonators, a Boy George wannabe, a rapping grandma, and the unfortunate "mutants" at table nine. But despite the wacky storyline and comedy, The Wedding Singer has an undeniable heart. And the show holds the most special place in mine.
It may be because I'm a hardcore fan of 80's music (having been born in the awesome era). It may be because even though I've seen the movie upwards of 15 times, it still makes me laugh out loud. But I think it's mostly because of this: at the end of the day, our protagonist, Robbie Hart, just wants to find his soulmate; someone who shares his love of love, someone who shares his somewhat bizarre sense of humor, someone with whom he can grow old. My husband Jared and I have identified with the heart of this story since our early days of dating back in high school, which is why I recently took a very important stroll down the aisle to an instrumental version of a song you'll hear tonight called "Grow Old With You."
I had the great pleasure of performing the role of Julia in my dream show with my friends at the FUDGE Theatre Company 6 years ago. And when the opportunity came to direct the show for Regatta, I knew I couldn't pass it up. I am a young director, but I don't think it's possible for anyone to love this show more than I do.
Our Wedding Singer has been a labor of love on all sides. This production would certainly not be what it is without the gracious efforts of those involved; from the wonderfully talented cast who gave me their trust, to the stellar production team, and especially to the plethora of helpers that seemed to drop from the sky this year. It has been a true honor for me to work with this group, and to be able to watch the comedy and heart unfold before my eyes, on and offstage. As an audience, I promise that you are in for a real treat.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to party like it's 1985!
Kira Cowan Troilo
Director, Co-Founder of The Regatta Players
