A sweet declaration of love that melts the heart as Robbie and Julia find their way to true love. The lyrics in the song echo feelings Jory Fidler-Jukes and Riel Fidler-Jukes have for one another. The real-life newlyweds are getting to lead the Saskatoon Summer Players’ in The Wedding Singer. The musical is an adaptation of the 1998 movie of the same name. Although they now share the stage, it didn’t start that way.

Jory Fidler-Jukes and Riel Fidler-Jukes treasure the opportunity theatre gives to spend time with each other. (Erica Deidre)

“We met at university and we didn’t know about each other’s affinity for theatre,” says Jory. “As I grew back into the musical theatre world, I pulled Riel into it with me. She had never done a musical before.”

It’s unique and something I will treasure for a very long time

The pair quickly became SSP regulars sharing the stage more than once (9 to 5 & The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) but never as romantic leads. With their wedding in September, timelines were tight. Even on their honeymoon they were working hard on the script.

“We were running lines on the plane so we could be ready for rehearsals when we got back,” says Riel. “To get married during a show where we’re playing love interests, it’s unique and something I will treasure for a very long time.”

They slip into love and romance so easily

Braden Moore says The Wedding Singer is a great 80s romp. (Saskatoon Summer Players)

Director Braden Moore says the couple’s chemistry is undeniable on stage…Sometimes it’s too good.

“Working with a married couple, during scenes like Grow Old With You, they slip into love and romance so easily,” says Moore. “It’s wonderfully natural but the challenge is working up to that. These characters didn’t know each other at the beginning of the story so that first kiss moment, we have to put awkwardness back into it.”

These songs stick in your head

The Wedding Singer is one of Moore’s favourite musicals. He says the comedy is full of love, heartbreak, self-discovery and 80s flair.

“The comedy is very similar to the 1998 movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, but the music was all created for the stage show, these songs stick in your head,” says Moore. “It’s a fantastic show with lots of jokes, peppy tunes, and lovely ballads. It will be a very fun night out.””

For Jory and Riel, this production is the best wedding present they could ask for.

“Being a part of the Saskatoon Summer Players has allowed us the space to act, sing, and dance together,” says Jory. “There’s rarely opportunities in the outside world where our interests get to overlap. This is just a chance to share more of our life together.”