It’s been a pretty depressing time of late, so if you want to take your mind off things by indulging in some feel-good, nostalgic, escapist fun, grab a mask and head for The Wedding Singer.

The exuberant production from David Venn Enterprises premiered in Melbourne in 2021 and is now in Sydney as part of a tour. COVID infection amongst the cast meant that the opening had to be delayed a week. Doubtless, some of the performers are still feeling a bit drained, but you wouldn’t know it from their terrific, energetic performances, with the musical numbers and fast-paced choreography keeping them constantly on the go.

The Wedding Singer. Photo © Nicole Cleary

The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2006, is based on the 1998 rom-com film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, which is set in 1985 with its questionable fashion choices, including big hair, high waisted baggy jeans and shoulder pads. The show features original songs by Matthew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (lyrics) along with the two numbers from the film, written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy (who wrote the musical’s book) – which raised...