John Rando to Helm Broadway-Bound Wedding Singer

Broadway.com has learned that Tony winner John Rando is set to helm the upcoming musical version of The Wedding Singer. The show is aiming for a Broadway berth during the 2005-2006 season.

Rando won a Tony Award for his work on Urinetown. His other Broadway credits include The Dinner Party, A Thousand Clowns and Dance of the Vampires. His off-Broadway credits include Mere Mortals and Others, Things You Shouldn't Say Past Midnight An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf, Naked, Polish Joke, Rounding Third and Bright Ideas.

The film version of The Wedding Singer was released in 1998 and starred Adam Sandler as Robbie Hart, the ultimate master of ceremonies… until he is left at the alter and becomes a newlywed's worst nightmare: an entertainer who destroys other people's weddings. The comedy featured Drew Barrymore as the warm-hearted waitress named Julia that becomes Robbie's dream girl--if he can save her from marrying someone else. Set in 1985 and fueled by the pop hits of the decade, the film featured a memorable cameo by rocker Billy Idol playing himself.

As we previously reported, the musical version finds Rhythm Club composer Matthew Sklar and lyricist/librettist Chad Beguelin collaborating with screenwriter Tim Herlihy. The show is being produced by Margo Lion and New Line Cinema, previous collaborators on Hairspray.