Four Reasons to See The Wedding Singer

In just a few short years, the movie-to-musical transition has gone from exception to rule-and now there are adaptations that strain credulity (Grey Gardens?) even as they earn credibility with audiences and critics alike. There are some movies, however, that have “fun Broadway musical material” written all over them, and The Wedding Singer-a huge hit for Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, and then a Tony-nominated Broadway show-is one of them. Blessed with the ultimate excuse for elaborate and hilarious dance numbers within several weddings, the show also draws on another powerful source of sheer party energy-pop music from the 1980s. In the production that hits the Granada Theatre (1214 State St.) on Monday, November 23, at 8 p.m. and runs for three nights, the lead roles are played by a young married couple, Jillian and Michael Zygo. I spoke with the Zygos last week and learned about just a couple of reasons to catch their Wedding Singer. For tickets and info, call 899-2222 or visit granadasb.org. And read on below to see why you should check it out.

1) Weddings Are Fun: Jill said she identifies with her character, Julia, because “she’s a hopeless romantic, and that is just like me. Julia is an everyday girl, but she loves weddings and she tends to get caught up in the excitement even when she’s not the bride. She’s also bubbly and outgoing, which is something else I get a lot from people-they say I have those qualities.”

2) The Great ’80s Party Music: With the exception of the Adam Sandler-penned numbers, which are in both, the original Wedding Singer movie soundtrack has been replaced here by new songs that have been written to sound like ’80s classics. And the original music promises to quell that craving you sometimes feel for Madonna and Duran Duran. As Michael said, “The music of the ’80s, with its synthesizers and big guitars, sends the message that it’s time to party.”

3) The Musical Stands on Its Own: According to Michael, “You really don’t need to have seen the movie to appreciate the musical. It’s so full of dance numbers and energy that even people who are new to the story will be swept up in the excitement.”

4) It’s a Love Story Inside a Love Story: The Zygos are over the moon with this opportunity to play the roles onstage that they enjoy in real life-that of a loving husband and wife. “Michael has to propose to me all over again every single night,” said Jill, “and I never get tired of it!”