Street Food Cinema Celebrates 20 Years of ‘The Wedding Singer’

By TRILBY BERESFORD | Reporter

There’s so much to love about 1998 rom-com “The Wedding Singer,” starting with the embarrassing—yet endearing—charm of Palisadian Adam Sandler, bookended with the playful chemistry and almost-maturity that he and co-star Drew Barrymore possess as a romantic couple.

He’s the wedding singer, she’s a waitress and at first, they’re both engaged to other people. The wrong people—so many of us can relate to that chaotic nightmare.

Directed by Frank Coraci, whose career has included numerous collaborations with Sandler (most recently, “The Ridiculous 6”), the film was deservedly adored upon release and continues to be visited for second viewings by now-adult fans.

Sandler’s former college roommate Tim Herlihy wrote the screenplay, which is such a great example of solid three-act structure that it warrants a mention in film school curriculums (though for no good reason, comedies are usually overlooked).

“The Wedding Singer” arrived during Sandler’s string of hits: “Mixed Nuts,” “Billy Madison,” “The Waterboy,” “Happy Gilmore” and “Big Daddy.”

In 2006, the film was adapted into a Broadway musical with music by Matthew Sklar. Herlihy wrote the book with Chad Benguelin, and it was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical that year.

These days, Sandler’s involvement in lowest-common-denominator projects like “Jack and Jill” and “That’s My Boy” have colored his reputation. That said, he has never been concerned with reviews, and continues to write, produce and act in several films a year. At 51, he maintains that lovable, boy-like energy.

In celebration of “The Wedding Singer” and its 20th anniversary, Street Food Cinema will present the film at Will Rogers State Historic Park on Saturday, Sept. 1, at 8 p.m.

Grant Cotter will MC the event, with musical entertainment from DJ Ivy. A variety of food trucks will offer nourishment, such as Boba Ni Taco, Café Vietnam and Meat the Greek.

It’s the ideal outdoor experience for a summer evening.

Visit streetfoodcinema.com for ticketing information and to view the upcoming schedule.