There is a fine line between playfully presentational and frivolous fluff, and the current production of The Marvelous Wonderettes on stage at the Canyon Theatre Guild stays well on the right side of that line. This family friendly show proves to be a pleasing evening of entertainment and a showcase of musical talent and comedy.
The Marvelous Wonderettes’ greatest asset on paper is the familiar renditions of some of the biggest hits and most memorable songs of the 1950s and 60s. The well known tunes are woven into a story that begins at the 1958 Springfield High School senior prom where the Wonderettes are performing as a last minute replacement for the previously scheduled (and now expelled) originally slated rock group. The all girl Wonderettes consists of four unique personalities who are introduced to the audience one by one as each takes a turn at being lead vocals for the group. Each Wonderette’s story is told by the song she leads as well as by her relationship with the other members of the group. Their tales play out with the typical story lines of a James Dean era prom. They range from boy trouble to fitting in, smoking, crushing, and hoping for a happy future in prosperous post World War II America.
The Disney princess front girl of the Wonderettes is Cindy Lou Huffington, played well by the silky smooth Catherine Birdsong, who flaunts her beautiful flowing hair, alabaster skin and perkiness to match. Missy Miller is the make-it-happen group leader played by Courtney Potter, who embodies the role with comic chops that bite into each bit and refuse to let go until you laugh out loud at the silly, self-effacing antics and affable manner of this seasoned performer. BJ Reynolds is the strong-voiced, brash and bawdy tomboy of the group, portrayed effectively by Marie Wise-Hawkins. Sarah Lang plays the flighty and flirty prom queen Suzy Simpson with comedic skill that is particularly evident in the show’s second act, where we find the same Wonderettes, now ten years later. The group is once again performing in their old high school gymnasium, but now the year is 1968 and they are together in front of an audience for the first time since the prom. The emblematic life situations remain the focus of the story, but the move into one of music’s most enduring decades lays a path for some unforgettable vocal numbers that each member of the ensemble cast delivers with great ability, to the delight of a fully engaged audience.
Upon attending a production of The Marvelous Wonderettes, it quickly becomes clear that this show was written to be a musical romp and story was never intended to be the most compelling element. However, with that in mind, the author takes full advantage of the well-loved character archetypes and injects sympathy and humor along with shared experience in equal amounts to give a fine backbone to the pop music that is the heart of the show. As with other projects in this vein, casting and performance are of the utmost importance. Director Greg Finley has provided a surprisingly even show that possesses strong elements across the board. He has assembled a cast that is more than capable of delivering comedy and strong musical renditions, as well as fully bringing to life the characters they are asked to portray. He creative team includes well-utilized talents in choreography, lighting and sound. He has also surrounded the entire production with the most important thing for a show of this style, which is a theatrical environment that invites the audience to sit back and enjoy the stage happenings before them.
Wonderettes does not stand out for any one element. Rather, it is the product of solid performances, strong leadership, and an artistic vision fully committed to the simplicity of family entertainment and audience enjoyment. And that, in this instance, is a marvelous thing.
The Marvelous Wonderettes plays through Aug 31st. http://www.canyontheatre.org/shows
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