Another "Wedding Singer" e-interview!

This time around let's hear from Kennie Bass, who's best known for his work as a television reporter for WCHS-TV (that's him on the left in this photo, with Ryan Hardiman and Shayne Gue - photo by Mark Webb).

He plays Sammy in The Wedding Singer, which wraps up its final weekend starting this evening at Huntington's Ritter Park Amphitheatre.

Here's what he had to say:

Q: Why did you want to be part of The Wedding Singer?

Kennie: It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. Back in 2009, I had been out of theater for several years and decided to take the plunge and get back on stage. I actually made it to the H.O.T. auditions about five minutes before they were over. I was lucky enough to get a callback... and eventually be offered the role of Sammy. I was tremendously excited to be working with Ryan Hardiman and the rest of the cast. Although circumstances prevented us from doing The Wedding Singer that summer, I've been waiting two years to get the chance to perform in the show. I haven't been disappointed, it's been a wonderful experience.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Kennie: Sammy is the bass player for the band "Simply Wed." To be honest, he isn't the smartest guy in the room. But he's a loyal and faithful friend to Robbie and George. He's passionate about his music. And he's in love with Holly... who broke up with him six months ago. Sammy really believes in the band... he wants to sing and be a star! Plus, he doesn't want to get stuck managing the Orange Julius for the rest of his life.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about preparing for this role?

Kennie: Musicals are so different than doing straight drama and comedy. For me, the singing is usually not a problem. I'm not a great singer but I'm usually in the neighborhood of the right notes. However, the dancing is a different story. To get me to where I need to be, it takes a great amount of patience on the part of our director Helen Freeman and our choreographer Kerri Easter Stambaugh. I'd also like to apologize to any cast members whom I have accidentally bumped into or stepped on during this process. It wasn't on purpose... I just can't help it. But the toughest thing was the fact I was gone for more than two weeks during rehearsals. I was embedded with a West Virginia Army National Guard unit in the Middle East. Missing that much time could have been a major problem and Helen Freeman could have made a casting change and I would have understood. But she stuck with me... and I am extremely grateful. This has been one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had.

Q: Is the musical different from the movie?

Kennie: The basic story is the same. Robbie gets stood up at the altar by Linda. He's heartbroken, but slowly finds a new friend in Julia. They start to have feelings for one another, but the situation is complicated by the fact she's engaged. One big change from the movie to the musical is that in the film, Sammy was a limousine driver. In the musical there's really not much of a need for that type of job, so the writers made him a bass player in the band. I'm happy with the change, because I get the chance to have fun singing and dancing with Ryan Hardiman and Shayne Gue, two very good friends.

Q: Do you have a favorite song?

Kennie: Wow. Tough question. I love a lot of the songs in this musical. The opening and closing numbers, "It's Your Wedding Day," are fun, high-energy, up-tempo songs that just make you smile. Sammy's big solo is "Single." It's a very clever, "boy band"-style song with some fun harmonies and choreography. "If I Told You" is the big ballad, and it is beautiful. But "Casualty of Love" might be my favorite, just because of the way Ryan absolutely kills it! He's fantastic in that song... and the choreography makes me laugh.

Q: Has the summer heat made the play more challenging?

Kennie: Outdoor theater is challenging for many reasons. Of course, the heat is one of the major things you have to deal with. Couple that with high humidity and it can get interesting. We're under the lights. We're in full costume and we're singing and dancing. Plus, for this show, I'm wearing a wig to give Sammy a "rocker look." Every night is a workout and we're all drenched with sweat when it's over, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Performing in a H.O.T. show is like going to summer camp when you're a kid. I have made many great friends because of
Huntington Outdoor Theater and I'm thankful to Helen Freeman for the opportunity.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Kennie: Because it's fun! Because Ryan Hardiman and Shayne Gue own their roles as Robbie and George. They just blow you away with their talent and timing. Because Michele Goodson-Burnett and Kerri Easter Stambaugh light up the stage every time they're on it as Julia and Holly. They're smart, talented and beautiful performers who nail it every time. Because Michael Sidoti is a great bad guy as Glen. Because Jessica Maier's singing and dancing as Linda will leave you spellbound. Because Jennifer Susan Leist is hilarious as Grandma Rosie. Because Kaitlin Despain handles a supporting role with ease while singing and dancing through the entire show like a pro! She could have a big future on stage if she chooses. Because we have an ensemble that includes Casey Homonai, Alaina Krantz, Elijah Boyles and Mark Radford who tackle multiple roles and feature dances with style. They are awesome. Because Mark Smith and his band rock! Because Helen and Steve Freeman have created a great family experience that everyone will enjoy. Because you'll laugh, have a great night at the theater and leave with a smile on your face. I guarantee it!

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Kennie: We have one final weekend of shows, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. A fun Children's Pre-Show gets going at 7:00 p.m. They perform a bunch of songs from the '80s. After a few folks from the Huntington area get a chance to shine in the Community Pre-Show, The Wedding Singer takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. You have a personal invitation from Sammy to come out and see the show... be prepared to have a good time, because "Love is what we do!"