Despite the challenges of staging a musical in the midst of a pandemic, Shaler Area High School students are determined to keep the stage lights on and will present “The Wedding Singer” to the community in four livestream performances April 15-17.
The musical is based on the 1998 film of the same name starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Set in the ‘80s, the story follows Robbie Hart, played by senior Sonny DeMasi, who is a charismatic wedding singer until his fiancée Linda, played by senior Alaina Donovan, leaves him at the altar. Robbie becomes cynical of love until he meets Julia Sullivan, a waitress played by senior Zoe Babbit. Robbie and Julia develop feelings for each other which is only complicated when Julie becomes engaged to Glen Gulia, played by sophomore Alex Eastly, and Julia asks Robbie to perform at their wedding.
About 40 Shaler Area High School students make up “The Wedding Singer” cast, which includes seniors Brindle Walzer, who plays Juila’s sister, and Abby Sawa, who plays Julia’s cousin, and senior Jonathan Zang and freshman Joshua Clark, who play Robbie’s friends, as well as senior Molly Yuretich, who plays Robbie’s grandmother.
This year’s musical also welcomes an entirely new directorial team led by Director Anthony Martello. Mr. Martello has a background in dance and stage productions as a performer and teacher. He directed and choreographed shows at Woodland Hills Jr. High for four years before joining Shaler Area. This year’s directorial team also includes Assistant Director Jennifer Birch, Choreographers Carly Otte and Emily Martello, and Technical Director Zachary Anderson.
“Doing a show during a pandemic has presented challenges that my team and I have had to take head on,” Mr. Martello said.
“You will see masks on stage, you will see slightly more spaced blocking than normal, it's all going to feel a little different. But these students have responded with enthusiasm and preparedness. I can't say enough about how much they're doing to make sure this ship stays afloat.”
The performances will be 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 15-17, and 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 17.
Tickets for the livestream are $13 for an individual and $30 for a family and can be purchased online at
www.showtix4u.com/events/SApresents. A service fee will be added at the time of purchase. Tickets go on sale April 5. For performance or ticketing questions, call 412-492-1200 ext. 1530.