The University of New Hampshire (UNH) student-run drama club, Mask and Dagger, is getting ready for their opening production of “The Wedding Singer,” which runs April 29 through May 1. 

The show, directed by Zeke Solis, will take place in the Strafford room at the Memorial Union Building (MUB) but will also be livestreamed for those who cannot make it in person.  

“The Wedding Singer” is a musical rendition of the 1998 film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Set in 1985 New Jersey, the plot focuses in on Robbie Hart, a beloved wedding performer and aspiring rockstar. However, when he himself steps up to the altar, his wife-to-be decides to not go through. Heartbroken, Hart sets out on a mission to destroy all the weddings he performs for. That is, until Julia, a beautiful waitress catches his eye. The only thing in his way is her fiancée, a Wall-Street businessman, whom Hart must try and conquer in order to win Julia over. 

“It’s a show you don’t want to miss,” said Jamie Marquis, an ensemble member in the show. “The music and dancing are so fun, there are so many laughs, and you truly become connected to these characters.”  

Marquis added that the Strafford room is going to allow for a very immersive experience for the audience. “Come see the show to find out,” she continued.  

Bryson Badeau, a senior at UNH, is going to be making his Mask and Dagger debut in “The Wedding Singer” as George, while simultaneously filling the roles of lighting designer and technical director for the production. “I often have had to stay late to make sure everything gets done, but it’s been a great time to work with everyone else involved in the production,” Badeau said.  

The production highlights quintessential 80’s musical numbers by Mathew Skylar and Chad Beguelin, such as “It’s Your Wedding Day,” “Saturday Night in the City,” and “Grow Old With You.”  

Tia Apicella, a first-semester transfer student at UNH, will be playing the role of Linda. “The loud, 80s rock is so fun and uplifting. It was like we were at a concert,” she said, describing the first time the band joined the cast for rehearsals.  

The show is playing April 29 and 30 at 7 p.m., April 30 at 2 p.m. and May 1 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for non-students and are available either at the MUB ticket office online, or in person at the door. 

“The chemistry between the members of the cast is electric,” said Badeau. “Everyone has put in so much hard work on this show, and seeing this show go up is a celebration of the collaborative process.”  

Photo Courtesy of James Matthews.