Rehearsals are in full swing for Blue Mountains Musical Society's (BMMS) upcoming production of The Wedding Singer.
Based on the 1998 romantic comedy film, this production is set to have you cackling in your seat.
Behind the scenes of this production is an exciting trio working with BMMS for the first time, bringing decades of experience in the entertainment industry to the Blue Mountains Theatre.
Directing this hilarious show is Elle Zattera. Having directed multiple shows and performed in more than a dozen in the Sydney area, Zattera is no novice to the theatre world and her experience is sure to entertain. Her favourite scene? "Oh, there are so many! We have a great hip-hop number with a very surprising character that had us all in stitches in rehearsal, so I can't wait for audiences to see it."
Choreographing with classic 80s style, Craig Nhobbs has the cast moving and grooving with iconic dance moves "the robot, the worm and the sprinkler... and that's just in the first three minutes! The audience can look forward to a hilarious night out."
Nhobbs' list of credits is vast, with his career taking him all over the world. Having choreographed more than 20 musicals, he is a well sought-after dancer and choreographer.
Josh Ransom completes the trio as the musical director for the production. As a freelance composer, performer and conductor throughout Sydney his involvement with the musical theatre circuit has spanned 10 years, working with several theatre companies in musical direction, cast and production. With many different styles of music in the show ranging from an authentically '80s hip-hop number to a classic Jewish klezmer styled wedding dance, Ransom's experience working with a broad range of music has proved vital to the show.
The Blue Mountains Musical Society is well known for their professional level shows, bringing community theatre to the Blue Mountains for the last 36 years. With such a history of high quality productions, the talent in the Blue Mountains region continues to deliver.
On working with the society, Nhobbs revealed: "For years I have watched BMMS shows and been amazed at the quality of performers and productions, so I have been keen to work the society for a while. Having the opportunity to bring The Wedding Singer to life with the amazing talent the Blue Mountains has to offer has been a brilliant experience and it's been an absolute pleasure working with such a talented and dedicated cast and society."
But it's that sense of community that really keeps cast members coming back for more.
"You can feel the strong bond of community and history underlying it all, which makes you feel like you really are a part of something bigger," said Zattera.
So what should audiences expect?
"Nostalgic 80s fun!" said Zattera. "This show is a true feel good show. It'll make you laugh, it will make you cry and it will make you want to get up and dance."
Nhobbs added: "The Wedding Singer is a fun-filled musical which has something for everyone. Everyone knows the story of The Wedding Singer from the smash hit Adam Sandler movie but the musical version celebrates all of the fabulousness of the 80s even more."
The Wedding Singer is being performed the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub from May 18 to June 2. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.bmms.org.au or call 4723 5050.
