The cast of the world premiere production of “My Best Friend’s Wedding” at Ogunquit Playhouse. Photo Nile Scott Studios

Writers have long recognized that weddings can provide compelling subject matter for their work. All sorts of sticky subplots can emerge out of what are supposed to be joyous celebrations.

Ron Bass wrote the screenplay for what became the popular 1997 romantic comedy “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” Now, Bass has joined with Jonathan Harvey to create a musical version of the story that (after being held up by the pandemic) has begun a world premiere run at the Ogunquit Playhouse.

The Kathleen Marshall-directed production overflows with the memorable songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. At roughly two hours and 25 minutes, plus intermission, it would likely benefit from just a bit of judicious editing. For example, the raunchier jokes may get laughs but do seem a bit gratuitous in this otherwise very entertaining show. And a couple of tunes are more show-slowing than show-stopping.

The plot concerns the efforts of the distraught, chattery Julianne (Krystal Joy Brown) to stop the impending marriage of her long ago, but far from forgotten, love Michael (understudy Daniel Brackett in the performance under review) to a young sweetheart named Kimmy (Lianah Sta. Ana).

Invited to the wedding, Julianne launches several schemes to undermine the romance before it’s too late. In this, she seeks the advice of her pal George (Telly Leung), who proves himself both a source of wisdom and a hilarious contributor to the plot.

The great songs just keep on coming from a flashy ensemble opening of “Hey Little Girl” to Julianne’s first take on “The Look of Love.” Brown excelled in both solo and duo numbers with the equally rich-voiced Brackett (“Close to You,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” and “Walk On By”) when it becomes clear the conflicted Michael is still tempted by his old flame.

Sta. Ana summoned a full voice on such downer tunes as “A House is Not a Home” and “Don’t Make Me Over,” while ultimately adding a youthful verve to the proceedings. Leung stole large chunks of the show on such stage-filling numbers as “What’s New Pussycat” and “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.”

The choreography by Marshall and scenic design by Colin Richmond favor a ’60s/’70s ambiance with large variations on the word “Love” framing theatrical and popular styles (line dancing!) from the music’s era. A versatile band led by Andrew David Sotomayor came into view later on.

Soara-Joye Ross and Mark Lotito gave their roles as Kimmy’s parents some veteran weight, duetting on “Twenty-Four Hours to Tulsa” and generally adding some folksy laughs. Morgan Bryant and Zoe Jensen added more comedy as a ditsy pair at the wedding.

With a few nips and tucks, the musical version of “My Best Friend’s Wedding” will likely leave most members of the audience pleased and without any feeling that they’ve stayed at the reception just a little too long.

Steve Feeney is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.