Redmond High School Theatre Arts is opening its 2010-11 season with the musical “The Wedding Singer.” The show will be presented as dinner theatre with a meal prepared and served by the Redmond High Culinary Arts Program.
The show opening is Thursday followed by shows on Friday and Saturday. Performances will continue Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 18-20. Thursday performances are $10. Fridays and Saturdays are $20. Advanced reservations are required for these dates and can be made by e-mailing mdoty@lwsd.org or calling (425) 936-1820. Tickets will be paid for at the door.
There will be no advanced reservations for Thursday performances, but only the first 128 people will be seated.
Director Misty Doty said she chose this musical after she was asked last year by Culinary Arts teacher Heather Chadwick if she would consider performing dinner theatre.
“It is a real challenge to play in the round and in an intimate setting,” Doty said. “I think it will be a new experience for all of our students that will help them grow as performers.”
Since the audience will be served dinner while watching the show, the performances will take place in the school’s cafeteria, which will be decorated like a wedding reception with each table seating eight. Food selections will please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
“The Wedding Singer” is based on the 1998 film of the same title starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. The story follows wedding singer Robbie Hart and waitress Julia Sullivan as they each seek true love in ways that comically intertwine. Set in the 1980s, the show is filled with references to the music and pop culture of that decade.
Doty said her favorite songs are the ones Robbie sings accompanied only by his own guitar, including “Grow Old with You,” written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy for the movie.
“The acoustic numbers are honest, fun, and sweet,” she said.
Junior Peter Castro will play Robbie and senior Sarah Lavender will play Julia.
Castro and Lavender are joined on stage by more than 30 student actors, 12 technical crew members and 14 student musicians. Forty-five Culinary Arts students will be cooking and about 20 child psychology students will provide childcare.
“Getting ready for dinner theater has been a great experience so far,” Chadwick said. “I am excited that so many different content areas could team up together to do this production. It’s very different than any other catering event that I’ve done because my students are involved. It’s so fun seeing them get excited and take ownership of this project. They really get to put their skills to the test.”
The students are also assisted by music director Andy Robertson, vocal director Scott Farrell and theatre manager Ruth Barton.
All performances will be in the Redmond High School cafeteria, 17272 NE 104th St. For more information, visit www.RedmondDrama.org.
