50s & 60s Hits, Laughs & Brussels Sprouts in The Marvelous Wonderettes
Review: The Marvelous Wonderettes at La Comedia now thru February 11 (Don't Miss Prom Queen Voting!)
50s & 60s Hits, Laughs & Brussels Sprouts in The Marvelous Wonderettes
Three questions…Do you love music from the 50’s & 60’s? Do you love Brussel sprouts? Do you love to laugh? If you answered ‘Yes’ to one or more of these questions, you can’t miss ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’ at La Comedia through February 11.
‘Lollipop,’ ‘’It’s My Party,’ and ‘’Mr.Sandman’ are just a few of the over thirty hit songs featured in the show. There’s a little bit of a plot, but the show is mostly all about the music. The four leading ladies all have splendid voices, which mix together as well as papaya and chutney. Between their struggles with love, relationships, and self-identity there is plenty of material for them to sing about.
Performing at their senior prom in 1958, the Marvelous Wonderettes consists of their moral leader, Missy (Emmie Wright), boy crazy, self-centered beauty Cindy Lou (Mallory Georgia Marie), class clown, Betty Jean (Meghan Slovak), and the bubbly, fun-spirited, Suzy (Carly Shepherd). The second act is ten years later, where they perform at their 10 year class reunion. There have been some surprising developments in their lives, which are revealed.
Wright totally embodies the strait-laced Missy, who does let loose with a forbidden romance. All are surprised to hear of her suddenly strong appetite for…’pizza.’ Missy has her hands full trying to keep the quartet in order but proves to be strong in both guidance and voice. One of her standout moments is her rendition of ‘Secret Love,’ beautifully done. It’s an example of musical theatre at its finest form.
I’m always delighted to see Mallory Georgia Marie, who radiates the La Comedia stage whenever she’s on it. Much like her character takes other people’s boyfriends, Marie steals the limelight during several songs. Her voice is especially magnetizing during ‘’Son of a Preacher Man.’ The audience gets the opportunity to vote for Prom Queen, Marie got my vote, and at this rate she just might in November too.
A rising star over the last several months has been Slovak, as a wise-cracking minor character in a few shows. To Slovak’s credit (more so than my poor memory), it wasn’t until the show was nearly over that I realized she was Betty Jean. She really morphed herself into the outspoken, flaming baton twirling Betty Jean. Slovak proves herself worthy of being a lead character and shows off her vocal talents with songs such as ‘I Only Want To Be With You.’
The giddy Shepherd spits out high notes as frequently as her character, Suzy, does her chewing gum. Gum and rhythmic melody both ease out of her mouth. Shepherd has an instant likability to her stage presence. Despite having difficulty spelling it, Shepherd more than earns RESPECT with her singing of the Aretha Franklin hit. She sings it with every ounce of soul within her. It’s a truly remarkable performance.
They aren’t listed on the cast list but the audience also plays a significant role in the show. More than just spectators, those in attendance are active listeners as the virtual fourth wall is broken. Plus, one lucky or maybe not-so-lucky individual will find themselves in a hot seat in the center of the stage. Hilarity ensues.
There’s much to enjoy about ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’ those who attend will L-O-V-E, that spells love, love it.
