The Wedding Singer (2006 Original Broadway Cast) [CAST RECORDING]

Matthew Sklar (Artist), Chad Beguelin (Artist), Stephen Lynch (Artist), Laura Benanti (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 6, 2006)
• Original Release Date: June 6, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000EU1PQO
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,583 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Broadway & Vocalists > Musicals > Contemporary Musicals

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
When it comes to retro-action, it's hard to top The Wedding Singer, the 1980s-set film in which Adam Sandler sang in a wedding band and looked for his own true love. The soundtrack was wall-to-wall 80s hits and the movie played up visual references to that decade. Now we have the stage version, and it's even more retro than the movie, except this time around the songs are originals, written by Chad Beguelin and Matthew Sklar. ("Somebody Kill Me" and "Grow Old With You" actually are the ones originals from the film.) The duo has delivered a silly-but-fun pop score that often refers to 80s musical styles without hitting you over head with them—-you'll hear nods to early Madonna and Prince and a whole lot of cheesy synth lines. Think of it as the 80s answer to Hairspray. Opener "It's Your Wedding Day" and "Someday," for instance, will stick in your head for days on end. Singing comedian Stephen Lynch proves to be an endearing leading man, while silver-throated Laura Benanti takes up the Drew Barrymore part. But it's belter Felicia Finley who steals the show with her two Pat Benatar–ish numbers, "A Note from Linda" and "Let Me Come Home." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly good 80's-style score, June 8, 2006

By	Steven Valenti "svclue" (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As far as musical comedy scores go, "The Wedding Singer" is the best since "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." It's instantly tuneful, witty, and more enjoyable than I really expected it to be. Firmly grounded in the pop styles of the 80's, writers Matthew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (lyrics) have a lot of fun both mocking and honoring the decade (the obligatory synthesizer corniness recalls last year's "Altar Boyz"). They've done a good job crafting a score that works theatrically in its own right, and not just as a string of parodies. The cast-- which includes Tony-nominee Stephen Lynch, Laura Benanti, and Amy Spanger-- is solid, and they bring great vocals and energy to the score's numerous catchy songs (highlights include "It's Your Wedding Day," "Casualty of Love," "Not That Kind of Thing," and "If I Told You"). I suppose how much you like it might depend on your predilection for all things 80's, but this is one of the most downright likable of recent cast recordings. (Listen, too, for what has got to be an intentional shout-out to another 80's themed musical, "Taboo.")

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's Not Meant To Be Sondheim - Just Plain Fun!, June 6, 2006

By	AJK (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

Based on the classic film starring Adam Sandler & Drew Barrymore, "The Wedding Singer" is a light romantic comedy set in a world of 80s-filled nostalgia. The musical never takes itself too seriously, but instead brings back many memories of that decade's pop culture.

Led by Stephen Lynch & Laura Bananti, the cast sounds great, but the songs are a mixed bag - most terrific, some not so much. Overall, this is an enjoyable, fun cd and worth the purchase (especially, if you can catch the show), but the score's unlikely to stand the test of time for theatre lovers.

Best Tracks:

It's Your Wedding Day
Someday
Casualty Of Love
Saturday Night In The City
If I Told You
Let Me Come Home

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well produced cast album of what appears to be a lively and enjoyable show, August 21, 2006

By	Mark Andrew Lawrence "Theatre Reviewer" (Toronto) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The past few seasons Broadway has been flooded with stage adaptations of popular movies: THE PRODUCERS, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, THE LION KING, and now comes THE WEDDING SINGER from the hit Adam Sandler film. Boasting a lively score by newcomers Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, the show has been struggling at the box-office thanks to mixed reviews and being shut out at the Tony awards. The cast album gets off to a great start with "It's your wedding day" and there are several other numbers along the way that do what good show tunes should do: develop the plot and detail the characters. Stars Stephen Lynch and Laura Benanti play well off each other, even if not every song is pure gold. Even if THE WEDDING SINGER fails on Broadway it will probably have a long and healthy life in regional and community theatres. The booklet contains a detailed synopsis and all the lyrics as well as quite a few pictures from the show.