Berkshire on Stage

On a sweltering night, the cast of The Marvelous Wonderettes barely breaks a sweat as they easily heat up the outdoor stage at the Playhouse Stage Company in Albany, NY. Four young actors play friends Cindy Lou (Iraya Catalina), Missy (Emma Cornish), Suzy (Jasmine Crosson) and Betty Jean (Syd Sider), who perform for their 1958 high school prom as last-minute replacements for the Crooning Crabcake Glee Club whose leader was caught smoking outside the school. Originally performed Off-Broadway in 2008, this jukebox musical features hits from the 1950s and 1960s sung in perfect four-part harmony.

We are greeted with a classic high school gym designed by Marc Christopher, with streamers and banners, and pictures of the winning football team. The five-piece band is conveniently playing upstage in the background. The Wonderettes are dressed in different pastel shades of organza with matching shoes and anklets, except for Betty Jean who wears sneakers and jean shorts under their dress. While all have wonderful voices, we soon learn the different personalities of these close friends as they sing familiar tunes which match their stories. Immediately obvious is the friction between Cindy Lou and Betty Jean over Cindy Lou stealing Betty Jean’s boyfriend, and hijacking their song while they are on stage. Betty Jean sings ‘Lipstick On Your Collar,’ which confirms their suspicions. Cindy Lou sings ‘Lucky Lips,’ reflecting her popularity with other boys. Sider, as Betty Jean, draws in the viewer with their comic, yet vulnerable, performance and their outstanding singing.

Missy admits her crush on the chipmunk school mascot who is their song leader, Mr. Lee (Madilyn Bunzey) and sings ‘Once I Had a Secret Love.’ She demonstrates her beautiful soprano. Suzy’s prom date is doing the lights for the prom as she sings ‘Stupid Cupid.’ Although we do not see him, his light flashes signal his presence.

The first act is filled with lighthearted singing, dancing in sync, and typical teenage boyfriend problems. The characters vie for the coveted prom queen title as they simultaneously demonstrate their different talents, including singing, playing violin, dancing on pointe, and attempting a fire baton routine. The audience is involved in voting for the winner. The prom queen sings, ‘Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me’ in victory. Not everyone loses graciously.

While conflict is not heavy in Act I, Act II takes place at the ten-year reunion where adolescent angst gives way to grown-up pain and reality, such as marital conflict, loss, and pregnancy. Appropriate for the current weather, the Wonderettes return to the stage singing ‘Heat Wave.’ Kudos to costume designer AshleySimone Kirchner who dresses the in eye-popping 1960’s neon shades with white patent leather boots and hairstyles reflecting this groovy time. We learn what has become of these four characters and their love lives. The songs from this period are outstanding and easily recognizable. Once again, all lyrics fit each character’s narrative, including: ‘It’s in His Kiss,’ ‘Wedding Day Blues,’ ‘Leader of the Pack,’ and ‘RESPECT.’

Important when having four actors perform together is the blending of voices and dance skills. Their harmony and chemistry in all areas are apparent. The choreography by Ellie Frances, while not complex, is perfect for each era with dancing becoming progressively more rock and roll as the decade changes.  Bunzie as the chipmunk mascot is an incredible dancer in a very hot costume on a 90-degree evening.

A live band conducted by Brian Axford is perfect for this quartette and shows the visible interaction between the cast and musicians.

Lighting an outdoor show from daylight until evening is never easy. P.J. Davis manages to reflect different colors and highlight soloists, as well as the group, as the sun goes down.

Director/Choreographer Ellie Frances enables the Wonderettes to give their all to this crowd-pleasing musical. While taking place in the 50s and 60s, Frances allows Cindy Lou and Betty Jean to express a hint at their possible repressed sexuality. The ending for all seems happy, as this is a musical comedy. How fun to be reacquainted with the music of a bygone era. Likely, many of the performers and audience members are being introduced to these marvelous, wonderful tunes for the first time. Don’t let the weather keep you away from celebrating The Marvelous Wonderettes. You will leave humming and smiling.

The Marvelous Wonderettes, written and created by Roger Bean, directed and choreographed by Ellie Frances, runs June 18-July 14, 2024, at Playhouse Stage Company performing in Albany’s Washington Park. CAST: Iraya Catalina as Cindy Lou, Emma Cornish as Missy, Jasmine Crosson as Suzy, and Syd Sider as Betty Jean. Madilyn Bunzey swing/dance captain. CREATIVE TEAM: Music Director – Brian Axford; Scenic Design – Marc Christopher; Lighting Design – Paul Jonathan Davis; Costume Design – AshleySimone Kirchner; Properties Design – Casey Martiniano; Production Stage Manager – Emily Carleton.

Hillside seating, as always, is free and first-come, first-served. Premium reserved tickets $25-$35 are available online at http://www.playhousestage.org, in person, or by phone at 518-434-0776. Performances on Tuesdays through Sundays, with no performances on Mondays or Independence Day. https://www.playhousestage.org/

FREE ENCORE WEEKEND…
Friday, July 19 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, July 20 at 4 & 7:30 pm

Sunday, July 21 at 7:30 pm

at the Guilderland Performing Arts Center in Tawasentha Park

All seating free and first-come first-served.