The Wedding Singer Opens at Santa Fe University of Art and Design
Musical is directed by professor Gail Springer and cast entirely with Performing Arts students
04.13.2011
Maria Alexandra Velez
1-505-473-6682
maria.velez@santafeuniversity.edu
Santa Fe, N.M.—April 13, 2011—Santa Fe University of Art and Design will debut the musical The Wedding Singer on Friday, April 15, at 8 p.m. in the Garson Theatre on campus. The production’s cast and crew—including actors, lighting technicians and set and sound designers—are composed entirely of students from all class levels. The Wedding Singer features senior student Tiernan O’Rourke as the wedding singer, Robbie Hart; and junior student Corinne Sharlet as Robbie’s love interest, Julia Sullivan. Performances will be held April 15–17 and 22–24, at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Based on the screenplay by Tim Herlihy and directed by professor Gail Springer, this production is the university’s biggest and most elaborate show in recent years. Its complex set, which comprises a series of geometric platforms and 1980’s-inspired murals, was designed by College of Santa Fe alumna and professional set designer Laura Fine Hawkes. The show also features a five-piece rock band on stage. Campbell Martin choreographed the production and Ron Strauss is the music director. The Wedding Singer is the final production of the Performing Arts Department’s 2010–2011 season.
“This has been a terrific season for us, and this production is a perfect way to close it out,” said John Weckesser, chair of the university’s Performing Arts Department. “Our students’ performance is a testament to Gail’s outstanding skills as a musician, professor and director. We are proud to give our community the opportunity to enjoy a fine and entertaining show like this one.”
The Wedding Singer
is the story of Robbie Hart, a romantic whose personality is perfect for his job as a wedding singer. But when his own bride-to-be leaves him stranded at the altar, things change. It will take a new woman, Julia, to help him rediscover the magic of love—but unfortunately, she’s engaged to someone else.
“It has been a pleasure to work with such talented musicians and theatre professionals,” said Gail Springer. “This musical is a great opportunity for our students to showcase their talent and skills and truly connect with the audience in a fun, yet meaningful, way.”
Springer is a musical director with 30 years’ experience, ranging from classical to jazz to Broadway belt. At Santa Fe University, she teaches voice, diction, dialects and acting. She has directed university productions of The Apple Tree, The Baker's Wife and Bat Boy: The Musical and has served as musical director for over 30 productions including Cabaret, Chicago, West Side Story, Hair and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Springer’s performing experience includes music theatre, classical and contemporary song, dance and piano. She has been a featured soloist with Serenata of Santa Fe, Canticum Novum, Santa Fe Pro Musica and the Santa Fe Desert Chorale. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from the University of New Mexico.
Santa Fe University’s Performing Arts Department offers programs in theatre, theatre design and performance. The program is based in the Greer Garson Theatre Center, a magnificent venue that offers complete facilities for the Performing Arts programs and professional theatrical productions. The venue was named for Greer Garson, Academy Award–winning actress and close friend of the school.
To purchase tickets for The Wedding Singer, call 1-505-988-1234 or visit www.ticketssantafe.org.
About Santa Fe University of Art and Design
Santa Fe University of Art and Design, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, provides students with a unique interdisciplinary curriculum that combines practical experience with core theory to prepare graduates to become well-rounded, creative problem-solving professionals. The curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, passion and outstanding performance in contemporary music, creative writing, performing arts, art, graphic design, moving image arts (filmmaking and video production), photography, business and education. Its location, in one of the world’s leading centers for art and design, provides a perfect setting for learning in a city where creativity and innovation are central to the community. For more information, visit santafeuniversity.edu.
Santa Fe University of Art and Design (formerly the College of Santa Fe) is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.