Words by Kristen Fogle
A delightfully fun filled songfest finishes off the year for the Moonlight Amphitheatre. “The Marvelous Wonderettes’” four female leads reign supreme in this throwback to a 1950s prom when the girl group finds themselves forced into performing when the scheduled talent cancels. Act two picks up ten years later with the four reuniting for a class reunion (and again, in the role of the talent, the ladies sing songs of the current era). The result is a cute, catchy romp through favorites like “Respect,” “Mr. Sandman,” and “It’s My Party.”
The show features the original director of the show, Roger Bean, and choreographer Janet Miller, who have both received Ovation nominations for their efforts. (“The Marvelous Wonderettes” did win—the 2007 Los Angeles Ovation for Best Musical.)
Three of the cast members are veteran Wonderettes as well. Bets Malone (Suzy Simpson) originated the role of Suzy over a decade ago, and it shows; the cute Suzy with the nasal voice and the adorable laugh is crafted to a tee (though Suzy seems a lot like Penny Pingleton from “Hairspray,” which, it figures, Malone has also played). Misty Cotton (Missy Miller) has also reprised Missy many times over; she boasts perhaps the best voice of the cast and definitely looks the most mature of the lot. Natalie Storrs (Betty Jean “BJ” Reynolds) has “Wonderette-d” in the past, but played Cindy Lou Huffington. This is interesting as BJ and Cindy Lou are polar opposites and best friends who fight about everything, (but mostly over boys). Tomboy BJ and prim and proper Cindy Lou, played by Michaelia Leigh, both portray their respective roles well, but the fighting between them is mostly fluff and pretty unbelievable for the most part. However, since the plot is mainly just filler for some great tunes, it works. Indeed the show banks on (and succeeds) because these girls can sing. The cast belts out (both individually and together) over 30 popular 1950s and 60s hits, backed by skilled musicians.
Not only do the hits from the past draw you in, audience participation is a vital component of this play. “Mr. Lee” involves a lucky man from the audience who is mentioned (and thrown up on stage) throughout the show, and the whole audience is encouraged to fill out ballots for the crowning of the Marvelous Queen of your Dreams. (Shockingly all four Wonderettes are up for the crown!) With the enthusiasm and energy of each Wonderette, it’s hard for the crowd not to get caught up in the act. (Will the right girl get the crown??)
It’s bitter sweet as this chipper, sweet show marks the last of the summer season at Moonlight. But for those who liked the sing-a-long quality of Moonlight’s show choices this season, patrons will be happy to go indoors to the Avo, which serves up tributes to the Beatles (10/15), James Taylor (10/16), and Simon and Garfunkel (11/12). And as part of the Avo’s regular season, look out for Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” in January.
The Marvelous Wonderettes
Moonlight Amphitheatre
9/14-10/1
1200 Vale Terrace Drive
Vista CA 92084
760-724-2110
www.moonlightstage.com
For the original article, please go to http://sdtheatrereviews.com/arts.php?newsId=255
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