Although it may seem that times are ever-changing with each new generation, it is possible to be transported to the past with the right music.
On the weekend of Jan. 31, 2025, the Sherman Theater, a local Stroudsburg venue, held the musical production of Adam Sandler’s “The Wedding Singer.”
The show was produced through In2YouArts, a Monroe County, Pennsylvania theater company. The company has also produced other popular shows like “Matilda.” Anyone can participate in productions run by In2YouArts, from children to adults, and that’s just what this show did.
The musical comedy is based on the 1998 film, “The Wedding Singer”, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Set in 1985, in New Jersey, engaged wedding singer Robbie Heart, played by Sandler, falls for Julia Sullivan, an engaged waitress, played by Barrymore. The movie is filled with nostalgic songs, style, and magic from the 1980s, and the musical production captured every bit of that nostalgia.
“My favorite number was ‘All About The Green’, and my favorite character was Holly,” expressed Mackenzie Dalton ’25. “I enjoyed all of the 80s music and the sets. It was a really good show.”
The cast from In2YouArts had no trouble bringing the magic of the 80s to life and stage. The musical paralleled many movie scenes, like the iconic “Grow Old With You” while also including its own local flair. Attached above is a clip of the movie scene only, as theater guests were not permitted to take photos or video during performances.
Max Kubiak, director, also stars as Julia’s boyfriend, Glen Gulia. Kubiak, an SHS alumnus, has directed several of their school productions and is currently directing the SHS “The Addams Family” production set for spring.
Many local students and adults from all over Poconos participated. Stroudsburg Area School District had several students participate: seniors, Alisabeth Guepet and Alexander Franolich; juniors, Mikaela Lipitz and Sandy Gravesande; sophomore, Luis Torres, and eighth grader, Megan Herder.
“During “The Wedding Singer,” I was able to meet a significant amount of people from different backgrounds,” says Alisabeth Guepet, ensemble member. “My favorite part of doing the musical was working with professionals and working out of my comfort zone. Performing in musicals reminds me to look beyond myself and provides a creative outlet individually and for the community.”
The stage was a time machine transporting audience members back to the 1980s. From authentic colorfully patterned costumes to funky tunes, being in the theater was like being in an 80s movie. The hair was the final touch of authenticity reminding audiences of the signature permed, crimped, and big hair fashion trends.
Lisa Rogers, retired SHS orchestra director, made her theater debut as Rosie, Robbie Heart’s grandmother, in the musical. Beloved by the Stroudsburg community and her former students, Rogers had a deafening applause with her rendition of “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugarhill Gang. She tickled the hearts of many causing a chain reaction of laughter throughout the show.
Here is a clip of “Rosie’s Rap” shared by the YouTube channel Cinema Covers. “Rosie’s Rap.’
Even though Rogers originally did not want to do anything in musical theater, she shared that she doesn’t “regret one single moment of the entire process.” Rogers said, “If something came up in the future, I would definitely consider it. If you ever have an opportunity to do a community production, get involved!”
The local theater created an indoor winter getaway. Leaving the theater teary-eyed, I was reminded that it’s possible to temporarily escape the current events of the world and to be momentarily transported by the magic of musical theater when there’s a stage full of talent, rhythm, and magic before you.
