Theater Review: The Marvelous Wonderettes
The Cast of ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’ at The Kirk Theatre. Photo courtesy of The Kirk Theatre.
The Marvelous Wonderettes is a musical that will leave audiences divided. For those that love cheesy silly fun, this is your kind of entertainment. It is a loud romp that uses audience participation as an integral factor of its charm. Still, for those that are not into cheesy silly fun, this musical will come off okay, at best.
The Marvelous Wonderettes is set between a 1958 prom for its first act and a 1968 high school reunion for its second. The main cast is four women whom try to maintain their friendship and love lives throughout each era, but, ironically, find themselves with the same woes during both decades. Still, the story concludes humorously that the years past cannot change your inner “high school” child, as they always have the same crushes, flaws, and dreams. The actresses do their best to bring adult charisma to a script that has Disney Channel tendencies. The costume design by Bobby Pearce and scene design from William Davis adds to its colorful, bubblegum vibe. Again, this is not denoting the quality of the script, written by Roger Bean, but people either hate family-friendly or love it. For those born in these two eras, the musical is a welcomed treat. These viewers sang along and felt moved to hear old radio hits be revived, while others failed to get into its overly- chipper mood. Again, proving that some musicals are a matter of taste. Still, the cast is filled with strong singers, whom do everything to bring out the light-heartedness of the era and their personas.
Each woman has her own cliche character. There is Jenna Leigh Green’s Cindy Lou, whom is the “sexy, popular with the boys one”, Sally Schwab’s Betty Jean, the “over the top tom-boy,” Christina Bianco’s Missy, whom is the “neurotically sweet nerd,” and Kathy Brier’s Suzy “the ditzy jokester.” The actresses play their roles to their stereotypical aspects, but add moments of heart through the story lines perfectly interwoven with their cover songs. The friendship between the characters adds a heartfelt quality to the musical. Of all the ladies, Christina Bianco’s Missy becomes the rising star. Once you hear her riffs, you forget her OCD tendencies and leave touched by her voice.
Ultimately, The Marvelous Wonderettes is a musical that you will either completely adore or hate. Directors Tom and Michael D’Angora did their best to make an endearing musical production, which again finds it highlights through audience participation. Yet, this in not the musical for deep human analysis or smart, witty humor. If 1950’s/1960’s song covers and cute silliness is not your style than I would avoid it, but, if it is, than go straight for it.
Running Time: 2 hours with a 10 minute intermission.
The Marvelous Wonderettes is now playing at The Kirk Theatre at Theatre Row in New York City. For more information, click here.
