by Emily Edelman
Bennington Theater’s “The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On” sees the return of the 1950s high school girl group of Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy as they perform at the 1969 retirement party of their former homeroom teacher (Act I) and then again at their 20th high school reunion in 1978 (Act II).
The show is packed full of hits from the 1960s and ’70s, and while all four Wonderettes have terrific voices, standout performances include Lauren Biasi’s (Betty Jean) scathing-yet-contemplative “When Will I Be Loved,” and Tess McHugh’s (Suzy) earnestly tender “Come In From the Rain,” which moved several audience members to tears. Patrick Kincaid as Janitor Henderson and Evan Pringle as Janitor Henderson Jr. managed to steal each scene in the brief moments they appeared onstage.
Not mentioned in the program is the fact that, at several points in the show, audience members are invited to the stage to take on minor roles. No one is required to participate, of course, but should you choose to do so, you might get the chance to join the whole cast in a memorable version of “The Hustle.”
This crowd-pleasing jukebox musical incorporates an amusing storyline with lots of jokes and laughter and runs through Sunday, Sept. 21.
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Created by Roger Bean. Director: John Lugar. Producer: David Dubov-Finn. Cast: Rick Burgeon, Gretchen Sousville, Michelle Marrocco, Lauren Biasi, Tess McHugh, Patrick Kincaid, Evan Pringle. Production stage manager: Alexandra Zieselman. Lighting designer: Kaiya Kirk. Costumer: Teri Atwood. Set construction: Todd Clark. Set dressing/props: Suzanne Wessler, Kathleen Thunberg. Choreography: Lauren Biasi.