HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — More than 1,500 theatergoers attended Centenary Stage Company’s Summerfest production of The Wedding Singer, a musical that highlighted the strong connection between Centenary University’s theater program and its professional theater company.
The production, which ran July 9-19 at the Sitnik Theatre, featured a cast and crew that included eight Centenary alumni, nine current students and one incoming transfer student working alongside professional artists.
Based on the 1998 film, The Wedding Singer is set in New Jersey in 1985 and follows Robbie Hart, a wedding singer and aspiring rock star whose life is turned upside down after being left at the altar. His outlook begins to change when he meets Julia, a waitress engaged to another man.
Directed and choreographed by Lea Antolini-Lid, the production starred Centenary alumni Matthew Steen as Robbie Hart, Megan Schmiedhauser as Julia and Jeremy Ashton as Glen. Other principal cast members included Nicole Boscarino as Holly, Kai Vialva as Sammy, Jack Sisk as George, Cynthia Livingstone and Deidre Worth sharing the roles of Rosie and Angie, and Raelyn Memon as Linda.
Centenary alumni involved in the production included Steen, Schmiedhauser, Ashton, Vialva, Memon, Kylie Smith, James Russo and Olivia Tomlin.
Current students Maximus Klevence, James Kaminski, Evan Flick, Miah Moore, Hunter Williams and Amanda Whitemore performed onstage, while Matthew Majors operated the lighting board, Mathew Corinie worked in sound mixing and Damian Vince served as lighting designer.
The production also gave incoming transfer student Asher Paterno an early opportunity to perform professionally. Before beginning classes this fall, Paterno stepped into the principal role of Holly after Boscarino was unable to perform because of an injury. NJ Arts Maven praised the performance, offering “major kudos” to Paterno for taking on the demanding understudy role.
Carl Wallnau, chair of Centenary University’s Fine Arts Department and artistic director of Centenary Stage Company, said the production showcased the University’s talent while providing students with valuable professional experience alongside working artists and alumni.
According to the university, students participating in Centenary Stage Company productions gain experience in performance, technical theater and production while building professional connections and strengthening their résumés.
The production also earned positive reviews, with Ridge View Echo describing it as “funny, touching, and so buoyant,” while NJ Arts Maven called it a “superb version” of the musical.
Centenary Stage Company’s Summerfest 2026 continues with Closer Than Ever, running July 30 through Aug. 9 in the Kutz Theatre. Tickets and additional information are available through Centenary Stage Company.
