Blue Mountains Musical Society is celebrating love with its latest offering, The Wedding Singer.
Based on the 1998 film of the same name, it is a romantic musical comedy centred around the romance of Robbie who sings at weddings. Directed by theatre stalwart Elle Zattera, the stage production will remind audiences that true love does exist - a fact several Blue Mountains Musical Society members can testify to, having found their own true love through the society.
The Wedding Singer costume designer, Sarah Namdar, and producer, Aubtin Namdar met in 2011 when Sarah auditioned for Beauty and The Beast where Aubtin was the director. The current society president was won over by Sarah's remarkable talent and beauty, a showmance blossomed, which grew into a marriage in 2014.
Danielle Roorda, a featured ensemble member of The Wedding Singer, met her husband Ben Roorda, through Blue Mountains Musical Society. Danielle was an ensemble member, while Ben was the assistant director of the 2012 production of Pirates of Penzance. They married in 2015, and have starred in a several productions together, including The Little Mermaid in 2017, and Urinetown in 2018.
"Working with my wife on stage is such a pleasure. To share something we are both so passionate about is wonderful; even if she does show me up from time to time," said Ben.
A showmance developed between Jessica and Matthew Lovelace when Jessica was assistant director and Matthew was musical Director for Annie in 2008.
"Matt's talent, attention to detail, and ability to focus are what attracted me to him," said Jessica.
They married in 2012, and are always thrilled to give back to a society that gave them each other. Jessica and Matthew teamed up as director and musical director respectively for The Who's Tommy in 2015, and Jesus Christ Superstar in 2017. Matthew is set to play in The Wedding Singer's live band while Jessica will be part of the production in the stage crew.
Naomi and Drew Livingston also met through Blue Mountains Musical Society. Their showmance began shortly after they met during The Mikado in 2005. After a hiatus from the society, which included their marriage, studying at the acclaimed Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), and professional performance experience they returned to co-direct West Side Story in 2016. Naomi also directed Urinetown in 2018. They now live in the Blue Mountains with their two daughters, and will celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary this December.
The couple is keen to support the society's latest production from the audience. After viewing a few of the show's musical numbers during a teaser performance, Naomi remarked: "It was so great to see my mates, and some of my students doing their thing for their upcoming show!"
Set a date to celebrate love with Blue Mountains Musical Society during their strictly limited run of The Wedding Singer from May 18 to June 2. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.bmms.org.au or call 4723 5050.
