Turn back the clock and return to the tubular 1980s by enjoying UTEP’s Dinner Theatre newest production “The Wedding Singer.” Opening weekend for the new musical is Friday, Jan. 28 to Sunday, Jan. 30 at the UTEP Dinner Theatre located in the Union West. It runs until Sunday, Feb. 13.
“The Wedding Singer” is based on the original movie by the same name that was released in 1998 and starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. The musical first appeared on Broadway in 2006 and is written by Tim Herlihy and Chad Beguelin, the music was composed by Matthew Sklar.
The show takes place in 1985 in Ridgefield, New Jersey, and follows local wedding singer Robbie, who is about to get married to his fiancé Linda. All Robbie ever wanted was to get married, but he ends up heartbroken when Linda leaves him at the altar. He then meets a young woman named Julia, the new waitress at the wedding venue where they both work at. Julia is engaged to her Wall Street fiancé Glen, who is unfaithful to Julia. Julia enlists Robbie’s help to plan her wedding to Glen, but he ends up falling in love with her during the process. He then must try to win her over before she marries Glen.
Jaime Barba, the director and costume designer for UTEP’s rendition of the play, wanted to bring back ’80s nostalgia along with the music, hairstyles and primarily the fashion.
“I think that most people who grew up in the ’80s love everything about the decade, such as the music, the fashion, and the crazy hairstyles. I think audiences will love revisiting that period, and I hope to deliver that all wrapped up in a tight, professional and fun show,” said Barba.
“The Wedding Singer” cast is full of talented UTEP students including John Levick playing the lead role of Robbie, and Morgan Baily playing Julia. Other roles include Derrick Cintron as Glen, Bryant Webb as George and Fernando Romero playing Sammy. The female roles of Holly, Linda, and Grandma Rosie are being performed by Lauren Urribarri, Vivian Sanchez and Carol Viescas.
“When I read the script, I thought it was a very funny and entertaining script. I feel like these elements of the play will make it very enjoyable to come and watch,” said Barba.
Dinner performances start at 7 p.m. for reserved tables from Jan. 28 to Feb.12. They also offer a dinner discount performance for certain nights, such as Feb. 2,3,9, and 10. The matinee dinner performance is at 1:30 p.m. and the no-dinner matinee performance is at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 6 and Feb.13.
For Friday and Saturday dinner performances adult tickets are $53.50, UTEP faculty and staff, Alumni Association members, children, non-UTEP students, and military are $51.50, and UTEP students pay $41.50.
For Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday performances, prices range from $38.50 to $48.50. . Sunday no-dinner matinee performance prices range from $22.50 for UTEP students to $32.50 for adults
Tickets are available at the UTEP Ticket Center or visit the Ticketmaster website.
For more information or ticket prices for the show visit their website, https://www.utep.edu/liberalarts/udt/ and follow them on Instagram @utepdinnertheatre.
Alyson Rodriguez is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected]; @alyson_rod1127 on Twitter.
