Missouri Western State University’s Department of Theatre, Cinema and Dance will present “The Wedding Singer” musical beginning this weekend. 

Dr. Bob Willenbrink is directing the production. He said the musical is based on the Adam Sandler movie and it takes a trip back to the 80s. 

“So anybody that remembers the 80s and the songs of the 80s, the dress of the 80s, the hair of the 80s, they’ll really enjoy it,” Willenbrink said. “We had our first (dress) rehearsal (Tuesday) with hair and seeing the girls in the 80s hair really brought a lot of memories back for me. It’s really been interesting because none of the students were even alive in the 80s, but the faculty were, so the faculty are out there chuckling.”

Former Missouri Western basketball coach Tom Smith will be playing the role of Ronald Reagan in the production. Smith said he always wanted to be in a play. 

“It really started with Dr. Vartabedian because when I retired I just mentioned that one of the things I’ve always wanted to do is be in a play and I hadn’t done it since high school, I was the emcee of a talent parade,” Smith said. “But I always wanted to do it and he’s been pushing me to do it and I finally get the opportunity.” 

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 21-22 and April 28-29 at the Potter Hall Theater. A Sunday matinee will be held at 2 p.m. on April 23.  

For tickets or more information, click here.