The Portage High School 2012 spring musical The Wedding Singer opened up on Friday night on the stage of the PHS East Auditorium. The cast of 46 students spent countless hours and late nights rehearsing to make sure that the performance was ready to go for Friday night’s audience.
The show describes the relationship between Robbie Hart, a wedding singer, and Julia Sullivan, a waitress at the reception hall where Robbie and his band regularly perform. Although they have to cross multiple hurdles, the two were meant for each other and eventually get married near the conclusion of the musical. Robbie, the male lead, was played by senior Jacob Cherry, while junior Rachel Stewart took the role of female lead as Julia. This is Cherry’s fourth show on the PHS stage. Stewart, who has been dancing for seven years, is also the co-choreographer of the production.
Junior Claire Tokash, who is appearing in her fourth show at PHS, is playing Holly, Julia’s best friend. Glen Gulia, the man that Julia left for Robbie, is played by senior Tyler Franklin. Robbie Hart’s wedding band is rounded out by Sammy (senior Cor Braner) and George (sophomore Matt Bliss). Both Braner and Bliss are making their PHS acting debuts. Senior Morgan Jackson serves as Rosie, the grandmother of Robbie, while senior Haley Sansone is Angie.
The rest of the cast is made up of members of the chorus, led by dance captain Erica Gaffney and co-captain Erin Lichnerowicz. Many other people contributed to making opening night of the musical a success. PHS Auditorium Director Kevin Giese headed up a large group of student participants. In addition to the 46 students on stage, there were 30 working crew, lights and sound and 15 in the pit.
Bree Rutz is the student director, while Erin Connelly is serving as the student producer. Andrew Bauer, Courtney Mason and Alyssa Quade are the other three members of the production staff. The band played much of the music throughout the show. Music Director and synthesizer Drew Rhoda led his talented group of musicians.
A tee-shirt give away and 50/50 raffle were held during the intermission on Friday night. A tee-shirt was handed out to the member of the crowd who best sported 1980s attire. The winner of the 50/50 donated his half back to the PHS Thespians Department.
The Wedding Singer cast is just getting started; it will perform four more times in the next eight days. The second showing will take place Saturday night at 7:30, followed by a Sunday matinee at 2:30. The final two performances will be held on April 27 and 28 at 7:30. Admission is $10 with all proceeds going toward the PHS Thespians.