Prepare for a flash back to the '80s.
Jefferson City High School's fall production will present "The Wedding Singer," a musical version of the 1998 movie of the same name that first hit Broadway in 2006. The story revolves around a wedding singer, Robbie, who sees his relationship with his fiancee fail and finds a new romance with Julia, who is already in a relationship of her own.
Though the film came from the late '90s, the story embraces everything '80s, from fashion to slang. The local production is no different, with the decade's hallmarks visible in costumes and sets seen during a recent dress rehearsal at the Miller Performing Arts Center.
Phoenix Lawson, 17, plays the lead role of Robbie Hart - the wedding singer. He described his character as love-obsessed, which embodies the theme of what love can do for you and to you. Lawson said he enjoys the role, as Robbie goes through a range of emotions throughout the play, allowing Lawson to have fun exploring some emotional extremes.
"He's very emotionally unstable sometimes," Lawson said.
Lawson said his favorite part of the play comes right after Robbie is left at the altar. There's a couple of songs back-to-back, including his favorite "Casualty of Love," which ends with Lawson being thrown into a dumpster on stage.
"I get to go ballistic," Lawson said.
The high school senior said he has been involved in theater since age 7 and hopes to pursue film in college.
Josephine Turner, 17, plays the role of Julia, a waitress who becomes Robbie's love interest throughout the play. Turner described her character as a romantic who is trying to find the person she can love, and who will love her, for the rest of her life. Turner said playing Julia is fun, as the role has allowed her to do things Turner has never done in theater before. It's a very emotional role, she said, but there's plenty of humor there, too.
Turner said she started in theater during her freshman year and hopes to continue acting in some way after she goes to college next year, though more through community theater than as a field of study.
Liv Bise, 17, plays the role of Holly, best friend to Julia. She described Holly as fun-loving, social and easy-going - someone who is never afraid to put herself out there. Those characteristics make it a fun character to play, Bise said, as she gets to embody someone very different than herself.
"She's the complete opposite of me," Bise said.
Bise said she's a big fan of the movie the musical is based on and has always loved the fashion of the 1980s and '90s.
Bise said she grew up in theater as both of her parents have always been involved in Capital City Productions.
"That was like my second home," she said.
When she goes to college next year, Bise said she hopes to study the hair and makeup side of things.
It's a strange circumstance to be rehearsing a play, dancing and singing, while wearing masks. Many rows at the Miller Center are taped off to allow physical distance within the audience.
Drama director Zachary McKinney said it's definitely been challenging, but he was committed to making this work, safely, in whatever way possible, especially considering how many of the participating students are seniors.
"I'd rather do it this way than not have one at all," McKinney said.
Lawson said the guidelines are relatively easy to follow and worthwhile if it keeps everyone safe. Bise said she's grateful to be able to participate in a production her senior year, no matter the restrictions.
"With everything going on, making this happen is really awesome," Bise said.
It's been a fun experience and the show will reflect that, Turner said as she encouraged people to check out the production.
"It's a really fun show, and we have an amazing cast," Turner said. "They don't want to miss it."
McKinney agreed, saying the romantic comedy is just what people need, while showing support to the students involved.
"At this time, we all need a good laugh," McKinney said.
Performances are set for 7 p.m. Nov. 5-7 and 2 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Miller Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for students and senior citizens.