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A CurtainUp Review
The Marvelous Wonderettes
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All of our numbers are about the 4-letter word it's okay to say.— The Wonderettes
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Christina Bianco asMissy
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This revival, directed by Tom D'Agora and Michael D'Angora, stars Christina Bianco (Missy), Kathy Brier (Suzy), Jenna Leigh Green (Cindy Lou) and Sally Schwab (Betty Jean) as the four silly sisters in song. The girls all wear those fluffy (now embarrassing) dresses with lots of crinoline. They are chubby or bespectacled. But what they lack in looks they make up in enthusiasm. These Wonderettes are all quite wonderful, with special mention going to Bianco.
The musical features many of the songs men and women of a certain age have come to cherish. They are presented in two acts: Springfield High's '58 senior prom and the school's ten-year reunion. This allows the girls to demonstrate how, despite what life slings at them, they “will survive” (oh, but that song comes much later in the liberated 70s). Missy now has an ongoing relationship with teacher Mr. Lee (now Bill). And Suzy is pregnant and unhappily married to her high school boyfriend, Richie.
In both acts, book writer Roger Bean has cleverly intertwined the songs with the girls' lives and loves. Thus favorites like “Where's Johnny” and “It's My Party” take on a special meaning. Although many in the audience may want to sing along at various times during the show, there really isn't much audience participation, except for the one male volunteer who is called onstage (a somewhat superfluous endeavor).
With minimal scenery (just a stage and a few banners) and pre-recorded music, The Marvelous Wonderettes is a low-budget show that's high in energy. Even better, these girls seem to be having one helluva time onstage. Perhaps they have indeed discovered the fountain of youth.
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The Marvelous Wonderettes Written and Created by Roger Bean Directed by Tom D'Angora and Michael D'Angora Music Direction: William Wade Cast: Christina Bianco (Missy), Kathy Brier (Suzy), Jenna Leigh Green (Cindy Lou), Sally Schwab (Betty Jean) Choreography: Alex Ringler Scenic Design: William Davis Costume Design: Bobby Pearce Sound Design: Mickey Bahr Light Design: Lois Catanzaro Wig Design: Jennifer Mooney Bullock Stage Manager: Krystal Roccaro Running Time: 90 minutes Theatre Row's Kirk Theatre, 410 West 42 Street From 4/28/2016; booking through 9/04/16 Sunday at 3 p.m., Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., Thursday at 8;15 p.m. Tickets: $92.25 Reviewed by Paulanne Simmons May 1, 2016 |
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Book of Mormon -CD