Stepping into the Fulton Chapel to see the Ole Miss Theatre’s production of “The Wedding Singer” is like traveling back in time when hair was big and mullets were in.
The music, style and culture of the 80s radiates through the chapel, fully transporting the audience away from Oxford to escape into the fun and lighthearted world of “The Wedding Singer.”
The musical is based off Adam Sandler’s movie of the same name.
Director Rene E. Pulliam, head of the Musical Theatre Program at the university, said she walked away smiling after seeing the musical for the first time.
“It takes an in-depth look at the 80s. For those people who liked the movie, it’s a little different,” Pulliam said. “It has the same kinds of sentiments but there is more singing and dancing.”
Choreographer Kate Prendergast spent months researching and watching 80s dance videos to develop routines that are authentic to the time period.
“The 80s were full of all inclusive body movement. The running man and body rolls are examples of that type of style,” Prendergast said. “There are also direct references to Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ in the show.”
Paula Abdul, Whitney Houston and Toni Basil’s “Mickey” also served as inspiration for Prendergast and Pulliam as they collaborated to create the perfect choreography for “The Wedding Singer.”
Junior LaDarius Lee is part of the ensemble, and this performance will be his second with Ole Miss Theatre. Lee has found his experience with “The Wedding Singer” to be especially amazing because of how uplifting the plot is.
“The show has faith, love and joy all wrapped up into one package,” Lee said. “In the end, all the underdogs win and true love is found.”
The play takes a refreshing spin on romance, love and entertainment.
“You could even say it’s somewhat of a Cinderella story, but she doesn’t get rich and become a princess,” Pulliam said. “She finds love in a simple man who’s right in front of her.”
Pulliam encourages everyone to come out and escape reality for two hours to enjoy a night of entertainment.
“What theatre can do is take us away for a little bit. Sometimes it has something to teach us,” Pulliam said. “’The Wedding Singer’ does teach. It has a teaching that women don’t have to marry someone for money.”
“The Wedding Singer” runs at Fulton Chapel Nov. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 12 and 13 at 2 p.m. All are welcome to a reception at the Powerhouse following Friday night’s performance.
Tickets can be purchased at the Ole Miss Box Office in the Union or at the door as long as seats are available.
