The Wedding Singer Set to Play Seattle Before Heading to B'way

Broadway.com has learned that Margo Lion and New Line Cinema, who previously collaborated on Hairspray, are returning to The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle with their next project, the stage version of The Wedding Singer. The musical, directed by John Rando, will start out of town on January 31 in preparation for an April 2006 Broadway bow.

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 altar 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 Julia who 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. The musical version finds Rhythm Club composer Matthew Sklar and lyricist/librettist Chad Beguelin collaborating with screenwriter Tim Herlihy.

The Wedding Singer has had three readings in the last couple of years, and Steven Lynch played the title role in all of them. A March reading also featured Alli Mauzey as the female lead Julia, Amy Spanger as her best friend Holly, Felicia Finley as Linda, Matt Saldivar as Sammy, Daniel Reichard as George, Jason Antoon as Jimmy, Rita Gardner as Rosie and Richard Blake as Glen.

Hairspray was a huge hit during its pre-Broadway tryout at The 5th Avenue Theatre in June 2002. Not only did audiences flock to see it, but Seattle critics loved it and helped the show gain visibility before it hit Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre in July.

The Wedding Singer is taking the slot the 5th Avenue Theatre had previously committed to a staging of Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story which has now been cancelled. The Wedding Singer will run in Seattle through February 19.