In Part 1 of a series of interviews with the cast of The Wedding Singer, meet Taylor Campbell.
Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you perform before on our local stages. Where did you get your training?
My name is Taylor Campbell. I have worked with the Fredericktowne Players as well as other companies based out of Frederick, MD. I have been training since I was three years old between private lessons and public school programs. I was heavily involved in the Frederick County Arts and Communications Academy in the Advanced Theatre Studies program under the direction of Jason Hoffman.
Why did you want to be part of this production?
I have worked largely in Frederick and decided it was a good time to branch out into the rest of Maryland theatre. A combination of having heard so many great things about the Damascus Theatre Company and Laurie Newton directing this show inspired me to go out and audition. I never expected to receive such a wonderful role.
How would you describe the score that Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin have written?
The score of this show is so upbeat and fun I can’t imagine anybody walking out of the theatre without a smile on their face.
Who do you play in The Wedding Singer and how do you relate to your character? Do you share any similar traits? Which character is so much like you and why and how?
I play Julia Sullivan. Julia and I really do not have that much in common which is why I enjoyed this role so much. It pushed me to discover a hopeless romantic that was hiding deep down inside of me. I would say that I am much more like Holly, as I am incredibly outgoing and always ready to enjoy a night on the town.
Tell me about your big solos and what do we learn about your character as you are singing the songs?
My first song in the show is “Someday” and this is where you get a real look at Julia’s love for romance and also her quirky behavior. Another song where you get to see the real Julia Sullivan is “If I Told You,” a duet with Robbie (Gabriel T. Potter) in Act 2. It is my favorite song in the entire show; “If I Told You” is absolutely gorgeous.
What did you know about the 80s coming in and what have you learned from doing the show?
I don’t know if I learned a ton of facts about the 80’s by doing this show. I think I learned a lot more about those cliché times and phrases than anything factual.
What are some of the themes of the show that today’s audiences can relate to?
It’s a show about love and people who struggle to find the person that they are meant to be with. I think everybody struggles with finding love or finding healthy relationships, but this really shows two people growing together and developing the best possible relationship for them. If that’s not relatable to an audience than I’m not sure what is!
What do you want audiences to take with them after seeing DTC’s The Wedding Singer?
Honestly, I want the audience to walk away feeling happy. I want them to walk out with a big smile on their face out of pure enjoyment; that is all I can ask of an audience after performing. I just want to spread to others the pure joy and passion that I feel for the theatre.
The Wedding Singer plays at Damascus Theatre Company performing at The Arts Barn Theatre – 311 Kent Square Road, in Gaithersburg, MD. For tickets, call (301) 258-6394, or purchase them online.