**** The Marvelous Wonderettes is a delightful, surprisingly funny musical with a terrific cast with excellent comedic chops. Some people might call it a jukebox musical, since it’s chock full of the music of the ‘50s and ‘60s, but it’s more than that. Be prepared for a good time, this one is a must see. 3 ½ Spotlights
The planned entertainment for the 1958 Springfield High School prom was unable to perform (Billy Ray was suspended), so the planning committee went with plan B. Four girls, Betty Jean “BJ” (Madison Meeron), Cindy Lou (Julia Limoncelli), Suzy (Taylor Morris) and Missy (Taylor Morris), the Marvelous Wonderettes are getting their chance to shine.
(l to r) Julia Limoncelli, Mai Hartwich, Taylor Morris, Madison Meeron. Towle Theater photo.
In addition to all the rehearsals, Missy went the extra mile, making all four of their glamorous costumes, dressing Cindy Lou in pink, BJ in green, Suzy in blue and herself in tangerine.
During their opening song, Mr. Sandman, Suzy sends kisses to the guy running the lights, Ritchie Stevens. During their next song, a composite of Lollipop and Sugartime, Missy produces giant lollipops in their signature colors. They took a moment to show off the cheer that won third place at the State competition and thank their teacher, Mr. Lee.
As they go through their repertoire, personalities and rivalries emerge. Cindy Lou tries to take over BJ’s solo, Allegheny Moon, while BJ does her best to ruin Cindy Lou’s performance.
When Missy announces the candidates for Prom Queen – who will get to name the Prom King, all four girls are on the list as well as Judy Carter, who’s not at the Prom. By the way, as an audience member, you will get a ballot and a #2 pencil to make your choice for Prom Queen – and all of the #2 pencils WILL be collected after voting!
Clockwise from front: Taylor Morris, Madison Meeron, Mai Hartwich, Julia Limoncelli. Towle Theater photo.
As Act II opens, our four heroines have returned to entertain at their 10-Year Reunion. ‘50s prom dresses have given way to the mod stylings of the ‘60s – teased hair, go-go boots, feather and/or fur trimmed robes and mini-dresses in their signature colors. Grimacing, Suzy throws down her boots and rubs her back, she and Ritchie are expecting a baby.
‘50s music includes Dream Lover, All I have to Do Is Dream, It’s My Party, Stupid Cupid, Mr. Lee, Lipstick on Your Collar, Sincerely, Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight and more.
‘60s music includes It’s in His Kiss, Wedding Bell Blues, It’s My Party, Son of a Preacher Man, Leader of the Pack, Rescue Me, Respect and more.
(l to r) Julia Limoncelli, Taylor Morris, Mai Hartwich, Madison Meeron. Towle Theater photo.
The Marvelous Wonderettes was written by Roger Bean, who also directed its first performance at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre in 1999. It was restaged at Milwaukee Rep in 2001, followed by a Los Angeles production in 2006. It opened off-Broadway in 2008, and had a successful revival in 2016. The Towle production is directed by TJ Bird, with choreography by Melanie Greyson and music direction by John Philllips.
The Marvelous Wonderettes runs through March 15th at the Towle Theater, 5205 Hohman Avenue, Hammond. Parking is free.
Running time is 2 hours with an intermission. Performances: Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets at $30 in advance, $35 at the door. FYI (219) 937-8780 or www.towletheater.org.