The show opens at the prom of Springfield High in 1958 where, by
default, the Marvelous Wonderettes quartet have been chosen to entertain their
fellow seniors. We meet Suzy (Lindsey Corey) who is dating her classmate
Ritchie, running the lights for the show. We learn that Cindy Lou (Ann Miller
Brennan), who is best friends with Betty Jean (Julie Kleiner) has been cheating
with the latter’s boyfriend Johnny. The last member of the group is Missy (Abby
Perkins) who tells everyone at the prom, after singing “Secret Love”, that her
secret love is Mr. Lee, the leader of the group. (Mr. Lee is an audience member
picked at random and in this case Nate Sikes steals the show the few minutes he
is brought up on stage.)
In the second act we meet the girls, now women, at their ten year
union. Suzy is pregnant, married to Ritchie with problems in the marriage. After
10 years of courtship, and pizza, Mr. Lee proposes to Missy. Betty Jean has
married Johnny, the guy who use to cheat on her with Cindy Lou, and is still a
cheater. Cindy Lou tells about her moving to Hollywood to become an actress,
failing, now back in Springfield and in love with Billy Ray Patton, the boy
responsible for the Marvelous Wonderettes singing at the prom who had been
suspended from school.
All the above is the reason for the girls to sing songs from the
1950s in the first act and the 1960s in the second, approximately 33 songs in
all. This is a jukebox musical, written and created by Roger Bean, where the
singers make the show and the 4 Marvelous Wonderettes all have their time in the
spotlight and make good. Among the songs are “Secret Love”. “Mr. Sandman”,
“Teacher’s Pet”, “It’s My Party”, “Respect”, “Leader of the Pack”, “Rescue Me”,
“Sincerely” and “Hold Me, Thrill me, Kiss Me”. Of the four ladies Lindsey Corey
has the strongest voice and the comedic chops to stand out but at all times they
are in harmony.
The direction and choreography by Patrick Fitzwater keeps the
movements flowing while the costumes by Rick Pena gives individuality to all the
girls.
For an evening of nostalgia, and good singing performances by the
quartet, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” offer an enjoyable time in the
theatre.
“The Marvelous Wonderettes” will be presented in the Abdo New River
Room in the Broward Performing Arts Center complex through November 23. Small
plates and beverages are available before the show and during the
intermission.