Ryan ChartrandIf the phrase “love stinks” brings a bitter, musically inclined Adam Sandler to mind, “The Wedding Singer” is the musical for you.
The hit Broadway musical is performing on campus tonight and Wednesday and follows the plot of the popular movie, complete with big hair, ’80s pop culture references and catchy tunes.
Since San Luis Obispo is a “second-tier city” as far as entertainment is concerned, the touring cast will be coming to the Performing Arts Center. The play’s original Broadway cast, starring musical comedian Stephen Lynch as Robbie Hart, received rave reviews and the touring group promises to bring the same enthusiasm.
“I thought it would be fun; it has the same feel as ‘Hairspray,’ which was popular last year,” said Peter Wilt, Performing Arts Center interim director, who booked the show for Cal Poly.
“It’s just a fun show with a lot of energy.”
The musical features all the movie’s main characters as well as Robbie’s best (yet slightly awkward) songs “Somebody Kill Me” and “Grow Old with You.”
Generally, touring shows have a high price because the producers have to approve all ticket prices. This time, Wilt had control of the prices after a flat fee so there will be hundreds of student rush tickets available as well as discount tickets for faculty and staff. They priced lower to aim for students, he said.
So far, not many tickets have been sold, even though they’re $20 less than usual Broadway prices, Wilt said.
“I don’t know if it’s a lack of interest in the ’80s or ‘The Wedding Singer,'” he said, though the weekday timeslots could also factor into the slow sales.
“The Wedding Singer” will show in the PAC at 8 p.m. tonight and Wednesday. Faculty and staff can buy advance or at-the-door tickets for 50 percent off the lowest prices. Student rush tickets will be available at the door one hour prior to the show for $8.