By Emmy Anderson
Scene from “The Wedding Singer”. Photo by Pima Community College Arts
“The Wedding Singer” at Pima Community College brings the 80s to life with energy and joy. The PCC student adaption is directed and choreographed by Simone Jolivet-Manuel, with Chris Will as assistant director and Mickey Nugent as assistant choreographer. The dynamic choreography electrifies the stage, and the soundtrack will stay with you long after the final bow. It’s an evening of fun and nostalgia.
At its heart, “The Wedding Singer” is about finding yourself, embracing the chaos and of course, classic 80s romance. The creative team set out to bring a new perspective to the show that feels just as nostalgic. “We needed something different. Something a little more current, a little more real people,” Jolivet-Manuel said.
That energy radiates from the cast. Stevan Silvas brings depth and humor to the lead role of Robbie, fully embodying the journey of a wedding singer with a broken heart. His fiery rant before singing “Casualty of Love” is a stand-out moment. “I just let the anger out. Let the hate flow. And that’s what I did,” Silvas said. That raw, unfiltered energy is what fuels his compelling performance.
Playing Robbie’s love interest Julia, Desideria Neely brings endearing qualities and sincerity to the role, making the audience root for her character every step of the way. When asked about her favorite scene, she shared, “Either Finale or Someday—it’s just me walking around the stage being super silly, and I love it.” Her enthusiasm is a reflection of the entire cast’s undeniable sense of fun, a driving force that fuels the show.
Of course, bringing the 80S era back to life takes more than just big hair, bright lights and timeless fashion choices. “We did research,” Neely said. “Our director talked about movies we should watch to get inspiration from—a lot of John Hughes, “Pretty In Pink”, all those. We took that energy straight from 80s movies and just kind of lived like we had no phones, focusing on how interactions worked back then. Especially because I had to learn how people would act with a pay phone.” Those thoughtful details immerse the audience straight into the heart of the era.
For the director, capturing the true spirit of “The Wedding Singer” goes beyond humor and nostalgia. The show delivers a resonant message. “Hopefully, what audiences take away is: live life, have fun, stay true to yourself. The good things will come to you in the end,” Jolivet-Manuel said.
That sense of dedication extends to the entire cast. “They were eager and willing to take on anything we threw at them,” the director added. “They just went for it.” That enthusiasm translates into performances that feel spontaneous yet refined. It’s a kind of undeniable energy that distinguishes this production.
When asked to summarize the show in three words, Neely didn’t hesitate. “Energetic. Nostalgic. Tubular,” Neely said. And honestly, that hits all the right notes.
With its energetic musical numbers and heartfelt messages about living and learning through life, “The Wedding Singer” is a feel-good hit. Whether you lived through the 80s or simply enjoy the nostalgia, this production has something for everyone. More than just a comedy, it’s a celebration of love, music and finding your way. As Silvas himself puts it, “You’ll love it.”
“The Wedding Singer” runs from Feb. 27 to March 9, with performances on Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. A special ASL Night will be held on March 7.