Centenary Students and Alumni Take Center Stage in The Wedding Singer
Monday, July 27, 2026
Centenary University | Hackettstown, New Jersey
More than 1,500 patrons attended CSC’s Summerfest musical, which brought professional artists together with eight Centenary alumni, nine current students and an incoming transfer student.
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J.7.27.2026 The year onstage may have been 1985, but one of the biggest success stories behind Centenary Stage Company’s recent production of The Wedding Singer was distinctly future-focused.
Presented from July 9 through 19 in the Sitnik Theatre, the Summerfest 2026 production attracted more than 1,500 patrons while showcasing the close connection between Centenary University’s Theatre program and its professional theatre company.
The production brought together visiting professional artists, eight Centenary alumni, nine current students and one incoming transfer student. Centenary participants contributed both onstage and behind the scenes, gaining professional experience while working alongside established performers, directors and production professionals.
Based on the popular film, The Wedding Singer transports audiences to New Jersey in 1985. The musical follows Robbie Hart, a wannabe rock star and professional wedding singer whose life is turned upside down when his fiancée leaves him at the altar. His outlook begins to change when he meets Julia, a waitress preparing to marry someone else.
Directed and choreographed by Lea Antolini-Lid, the production was led by Centenary alumni Matthew Steen as Robbie Hart, Megan Schmiedhauser as Julia, and Jeremy Ashton as Glen. Other principal performers 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.
Eight Centenary alumni were involved in the production: Steen, Schmiedhauser, Ashton, Vialva, Memon, Kylie Smith, James Russo and Olivia Tomlin.
Six current students appeared onstage as members of the cast: Maximus Klevence, James Kaminski, Evan Flick, Miah Moore, Hunter Williams and Amanda Whitemore.
Current students also filled several essential technical positions. Matthew Majors operated the light board, Mathew Corinie worked in sound mixing, and Damian Vince served as lighting designer—demonstrating that Centenary students gain practical experience across every aspect of theatrical production.
The production also provided an especially memorable introduction to Centenary for incoming transfer student Asher Paterno. Before beginning classes this fall, Paterno joined the professional company and stepped into the principal role of Holly when an injury prevented Boscarino from performing. A review from NJ Arts Maven offered “major kudos” to Paterno for taking on the challenging role as an understudy.
With Steen, Schmiedhauser and Ashton appearing in principal roles—and Paterno stepping into another—the production’s four principal performers were all either Centenary alumni or an incoming student.
Carl Wallnau, chair of the Fine Arts Department at Centenary University and artistic director of Centenary Stage Company, said the production demonstrates the breadth of talent found across the University. It also highlights CSC’s important role in connecting students with alumni and working professionals in a fully produced theatrical environment.
For current and incoming students, these opportunities extend learning far beyond the classroom. Students develop their performance and technical skills, learn professional production practices, build their résumés and form valuable relationships with artists and Centenary graduates working in the field.
The production also earned enthusiastic reviews. Ridge View Echo described it as “funny, touching, and so buoyant,” while NJ Arts Maven called it a “superb version” of the popular musical.
While The Wedding Singer celebrated the style, music and wonderfully oversized hair of the 1980s, its impact was distinctly forward-looking. The production demonstrated how Centenary students are seen, supported and prepared for success—and how alumni remain an active part of the creative community they helped build.
Centenary Stage Company’s Summerfest 2026 continues with Closer Than Ever, running July 30 through August 9 in the Kutz Theatre. Visit Centenary Stage Company for upcoming performances and ticket information.
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, ARTICLE CONTENT
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the United Methodist Church, Centenary University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation and career-focused learning. Located in Hackettstown, New Jersey, with an equestrian center in Washington Township, Centenary provides students with hands-on, personalized educational experiences that prepare them for success in a global and evolving workforce. Guided by its commitment to student success, university vitality, and world engagement, Centenary empowers students to lead lives of purpose, impact, and lifelong achievement.