The Wedding Singer Is On The Way!
Friday, 17 Mar 2023
Rehearsals for Griffith Regional Theatre’s upcoming production of the musical The Wedding Singer have kicked off with the local cast having a wonderful time learning the songs and dances that will entertain audiences in September.The Wedding Singer’s Director, Katherine Innes, said “The rehearsals have started really strongly, we’ve got a really enthusiastic cast, and a great production team, and everyone is gelling together really quickly. We’ve got some high energy dance numbers, and some gorgeous harmonies already coming together. And we’re having fun.”
Well-known actor, director and drama educator, Romina Tappi, who has recently returned to Griffith from working in Europe, is the production’s Assistant Director and Vocal Coach.
“It’s going fabulously, lots of fun, lots of high energy, and I’m really impressed by all the local talent here,” she said.
Other production team members include Matthew Segrave, Teagan Cirillo, Bonnie Owen, Mahendi Raval, John Matkovic and Mark Macedone, with Leeton locals Robyn Hutchinson and Cynthia Arel pulling together the 80’s style costumes.
The Wedding Singer is set in 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart, is New Jersey's favourite wedding singer. He's the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and, unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.
The local production stars Jesse Aviu as Robbie and Lara Calabria as Julia, with other leading roles played by David Baxter, James Walsh, Gustavo Magalhaes Tercete, Valerie O’Meara, Helania Beltrame and Markala Johnston. They are supported by a large cast of talented locals who are all excited to be part of this great production.
Jesse Aviu, who stars as Robbie said “I’ve been in a musical once, as an extra, but I’ve never actually been a lead before – it’s absolutely fantastic at the moment, it’s going really well. Everyone is putting in a lot of effort and it’s all working out pretty cool so far.”
Another cast member, Valerie O’Meara, who plays Robbie’s grandmother, Rosie, said “I’ve been an extra before, but Rosie, while it’s a fairly small role, is my biggest role to date and I’m really excited about it. She’s sassy, she’s a little bit naughty, she’s fun, but is caring and loving at the same time.”
James Walsh, who plays Glen, has been involved in local Community Theatre for some time, most recently as Director of GRAPA’s The Crucible.
James said “This is a great change of pace to be doing what’s essentially a romantic comedy, it’s got great energy and is a lot of fun.”
Ms Innes concluded by saying “Even though rehearsals have kicked off, we would still welcome some extra ensemble members – particularly men – they may even get to propose to someone on stage!”. Any interested people can contact the Theatre.
Tickets to The Wedding Singer will be available from the Theatre later in the year. The 10-show Season will run from Wednesday 13 September – Saturday 23 September, including two matinee performances.
June 2023
-
Cog Meeting Kicks Off Special Rate Variation Consultation
Thursday, 08 Jun 2023Griffith City Council’s Community Opinion Group (COG) Meeting on Tuesday night, kicked off consultation for the proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV), with almost 40 people attending alongside Councillors and Senior Council staff.
Read more -
Sikh Games - Traffic Management Plan
Tuesday, 06 Jun 2023Griffith City Council wishes to advise the public that during the dates of 10-11 June 2023 the 25th Shaheedi Tournament (Griffith Sikh Games) will be held at Ted Scobie Oval, Collina.
Read more -
The Kapooka Army Band Is Coming To Griffith Regional Theatre
Monday, 05 Jun 2023After a lengthy absence from our region, The Australian Army Band Kapooka returns to Griffith for a concert performance on Wednesday 21 June 2023.
Read more -
Griffith Regional Sports Centre Wins Excellence Award
Friday, 02 Jun 2023Griffith City Council has been crowned winner of the Asset and Infrastructure Award at the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.
Read more -
Join Award-winning Author Dr Anita Heiss At Griffith City Library
Friday, 02 Jun 2023Locals young and old are in for a treat on Wednesday 21 June 2023 when award-winning author Dr Anita Heiss visits Griffith City Library.
Read more -
Locals Urged To Book In For A Free Business Health Check
Friday, 02 Jun 2023Griffith businesses looking for support to start, run, adapt or grow are being offered a helping hand. Enterprise Plus, an initiative with Griffith City Council and the NSW Business Connect Program, is offering your business a ‘Free Health Check.’
Read more -
Griffith City Council Seeks Support For Special Rate Variation
Friday, 02 Jun 2023Griffith City Council is seeking support from the community to apply for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) to be implemented over a three-year period, starting from the 2024/25 financial year.
Read more
May 2023
-
Griffith City Council Secures $1.5 Million Grant For Construction Of Shared Pathway To Yoogali
Thursday, 25 May 2023Griffith City Council is thrilled to announce the approval of a $1.5 million grant from the Get NSW Active program by Transport for NSW to construct a new shared pathway along Mackay Avenue, linking Blumer Avenue to Yoogali.
Read more -
Griffith Sees Increase In Number Of Approvals For New Secondary Dwellings
Wednesday, 24 May 2023Griffith City Council is pleased to announce a 30% increase in the number of secondary dwellings approved since the implementation of the Griffith Housing Strategy during 2020-2021.
Read more -
Her Way 2680 Project In Consultation Phase
Wednesday, 24 May 2023Griffith City Council’s Her Way 2680 Project is up and running and currently in the consultation phase.
Read more -
Sports Centre Records Impressive Volume Of Events Since October 2022 Opening
Friday, 19 May 2023Since its grand opening in October 2022, the Griffith Regional Sports Centre has been buzzing with activity, hosting a remarkable number of sports and community events.
Read more -
Needles Found In Cwa Park: Council Urges Residents To Be Careful
Thursday, 18 May 2023Griffith City Council has received reports of discarded needles found in CWA Park.
Read more -
Residents Invited To Next Community Opinion Group (cog) Meeting
Wednesday, 17 May 2023Griffith City Council’s next Community Opinion Group (COG) Meeting will be held on Tuesday 6 June 2023 at the Yoogali Club from 7pm.
Read more -
New Lake Wyangan Flood Pump And Pipeline Project Operational
Friday, 12 May 2023Griffith City Council has announced that a new pump and pipeline commissioned to address high water levels at Lake Wyangan are now fully operational.
Read more
