Excitement mounts for CEC musical

TRURO - An Adam Sandler classic is about to hit the big stage at Cobequid Educational Centre.
The Wedding Singer will be performed starting Saturday night as the school's students and staff host its annual musical.
"I love the movie," said Julia McLellan, a Grade 12 student from Bass River who plays Julia Sullivan. "I was excited (when I heard what the musical was going to be). It's a rock 'n roll musical, it's the '80s and it's fun."
Students went through a dress rehearsal yesterday.
"It's hilarious," McLellan said. "The set is really bright and the costumes are all really bright and colourful."
The movie, which hit the big screen in 1998, was turned into a Broadway musical in 2006. The storyline for the musical follows the movie but with some subtle changes.
Mat Elliott plays the role made famous by Sandler in his powder blue tuxedo. The Grade 11 student from Truro said he had no idea he would land a leading role when he auditioned earlier this school year. The guitar-playing musician is enjoying his role.
Excitement was in the air in the audiovisual room yesterday as the finishing touches were put on the annual show, which has been a traditional spring event since the school opened in 1970.
The show takes a lot of commitment from the school to pull off. For example, a staff member who got married earlier this year donated her wedding dress for the show.
McLellan, who has held leading roles since Grade 10, said opening night is filled with nervous excitement but is always fun.
"There's a lot of energy now that we're getting down to the wire," said Dane Stewart, who plays Sammy. "We're all stressed but we all know what we're doing. It's coming together so opening night should be exciting."
Cast members said they enjoy doing the musical this year because it is a very upbeat performance.
That is one of the reasons the directors selected the show after back-to-back years of Disney performances in High School Musical and the Beauty and the Beast.
There are more than 100 students involved in the production.
The show provides some students an opportunity to get involved in an extra-curricular activity they would not otherwise have. Being involved in such a production can be a real boost to students' self-confidence.

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