By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Pull out your leg warmers, dust off your Vans from the back of the closet, and get ready to spike your hair or shake up that old can of AquaNet. The Eighties come back to town as Pennsauken High School performs “The Wedding Singer” this month. Based on the popular 1998 movie of the same name, this musical features great original music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Beguelin and Tim Herlihy. It’s an incredibly funny homage to time of shoulder pads and snap bracelets.

“It is cheesy and delightful and such a great tribute to the 1980s,” says Kate Brown, vocal music director at Pennsauken High School. “The story is identical to that of the movie. None of that has changed. The characters are all the same. The music is so phenomenally in touch with the 1980s that you’ll want to wear some neon. This is the movie on stage.”

The story follows Robbie Hart, the leader of a popular band that plays weddings. And while his fiancée leaves him at the altar, his life takes an unexpected turn after meeting Julia a local girl engaged to Wall Street banker Glen. The cast of characters you loved from the movie are wonderfully depicted by the talented students at Pennsauken High School.

“All grade levels are represented in this show; we definitely had a couple of surprises, which always makes auditioning fun,” explains Brown. “There are also going to be some very cool special guests that are going to be in the show. I could tell you, but I don’t want to give away the surprise.”

The students at Pennsauken High School are extremely excited to be able to present “The Wedding Singer” to the community. Some of the cast took the time to share their thoughts about participating in musical theater.

“The cast has come together and really worked hard,” says David Charris, a sophomore who plays Robbie Hart. “Part of the timeline of the show is really relatable to what’s going on today.”

“As long as you put your heart into the process, you will always end up having a good time and making lifelong friends,” adds Hannah Pietzsch, a senior who plays the role of Julia.

“Being in the theater is an extraordinary life experience,” continues Eustacia Pyne-Bailey, a freshman member of the ensemble. “Anyone who puts their heart into music and drama can feel connected to the cast, the people around them, and most importantly, themselves.”

“Come out and see all the hard work each and every student has put into the show,” says Brianna Rowland, a senior who plays Angie in the show is also the dance captain. “Join in the laughs and be a part of the Pennsauken stage family!”

“The Wedding Singer” will be performed at Pennsauken High School’s auditorium, located at 800 Hylton Rd., from March 30 through April 1 at 7:00 p.m. There will also be a matinee performance on Sunday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m., which will be held in conjunction with the Senior Citizen Prom. Prior to these performances, the cast will be singing songs from the musical at the Cherry Hill Mall on Friday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m., as well as during the Friends of the Free Public Library’s annual membership meeting on Sunday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets for the “The Wedding Singer” at Pennsauken High School are just $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Group tickets rates are available and tickets will also be available for purchase at the door. For more information, or to buy tickets in advance, call (856) 662-8500 x5273.