BWW Reviews: THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES

The Marvelous Wonderettes underscores the old adage that the more things change the more they stay the same. It is yet another jukebox musical that cashes in on the nostalgia for the great songs of the 1950s's and 1960s.

The show was fashioned by Roger Bean, using the period songs to illustrate the feelings of each member of this all-girl quartet of championship song-leaders as they perform at their high school prom, and then again at their 10 year reunion. Bean also strives to illustrate the contrast in musical styles between the open heartedly direct love songs of the 1950s and the tougher, angrier songs of the 1960s. The longing of "Secret Love" and "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" is replaced by the defiance of "You Don't Own Me" and "Leader of the Pack."

Early on, the Wonderettes tell us that theme of the 1958 prom is "Wondrous Dreams" - and yet by falling for the highly romanticized ideals expressed in the popular songs of the era, the girls are set up for some rude awakenings by the time of their 10- year reunion.

Timothy French has assembled an extremely talented team of performers (KyLee Evans, Lisa Kisch, Janna Polzin and Cleopatra Williams) to run through these 32 timeless tunes. They easily blend their delicate tones to great effect, sometimes deliberately flatting notes here and there in a bow towards period authenticity. Still, French has been unable to come up with any inspired choreography, leaving the performers to mostly pose and wave their arms in front of each other, as they try to upstage each other. Though intended for laughs, their childish shenanigans quickly become irritating.

It's appropriate that the girls have to constantly remind each other that they are the "Marvelous" Wonderettes because the script doesn't inspire much to marvel at. It is, after all, a jukebox show, and it's the songs that really count here. Fortunately, the performers are strong enough to do the material justice, and Music Director Anthony Bastianon, coaxes the proper period sound from the four-piece ensemble which, thanks to Derek Brown's sound design is kept in good balance with the performers.

The Marvelous Wonderettes plays at Stage West Dinner Theatre until September 11. For dinner/show packages go to www.stagewest.com or call the box office": 905-238-0042.

Mark Andrew Lawrence began his broadcasting career as music director for St. Catharines radio station CHRE. After six years there and eight years at classical station CFMX, he created FRONT ROW CENTRE to supply theatre reviews and articles to magazines, newspapers, and broadcasters across the greater Toronto area. Mark Andrew Lawrence maintains an extensive collection of over 3,500 Broadway show recordings in all formats (78 RPM singles, 45 RPM album, 10 & 12-inch Lps, and Compact discs) dating back to the early years of the 20th century.

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