By Holly Gould
The Rivoli Acting Company brings loads of holiday sparkle and musical fun with their inaugural production of the Winter Wonderettes to the Rivoli Theater in Springville, Utah. The Rivoli Theater is temporarily pausing current renovations to bring this holiday show to Springville and the surrounding communities. Director/producer Zac Trotter, along with fellow producers Melissa Johnson and Brad Johnson are restoring and updating the theater which first opened its doors in 1927, with the intent to open once again in June 2022.
This high-energy musical by Roger Bean is a celebration of Christmas shared by a spirited group of ladies who have been performing together since high school. The festive friends are excited to get the chance to headline at the Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party but get more of an adventure than they bargained for when Santa is a no-show for the evening, leaving the girls to save the party in a festive frenzy.
The cast is made up of four talented ladies who share the stage in this upbeat musical. Samae Allred (Cindy Lou), Jordyn Aspyn (Betty Jean), Courtney McMullin (Missy), and Tatem Trotter (Suzy) make up The Winter Wonderettes with fun and energetic chemistry onstage and beautifully tight harmonies that perfectly suits the sixties style arrangements of the show. Each actress brings a unique character to life with enthusiasm and skill.
McMullin plays newlywed Missy, who adores being a wife, and adores her husband – mentioning him and singing about their adventures frequently through the night as any newlywed would. Her soprano voice is as bright and clear as her future is sure to be. Her sassy and positive attitude reflects all that she is sure to accomplish in life. Her character is the no-nonsense gal that helps keep this group together.
Trotter’s Suzy is full of bubbly personality and fun. She provides lots of comedic moments during the show. I particularly enjoyed the audience interactive “Find the Elf” game, and her endearing performance of “Suzy Snowflake” – a song so dear to me from my own childhood, has left me with visions of pregnant, tap-dancing snowflakes that will surely decorate my holiday dreams for weeks to come. Her delightfully ditzy character is full of fun and over-the-top positivity that keeps audiences smiling.
Young, single, and flirty, Allred’s Cindy Lou is a woman constantly on the move and looking for love. Her steamy attitude shows in every moment on stage and is seen in every delivered line and note sung. Every detail down to her bright red dress demands attention. However, there is much more to her character than she first appears to be. She shows emotional depth and deep longing during “Christmas Cliches”. With honest and simply beautiful vocals that tenderly touch hearts, this surprisingly emotional power ballad with soaring vocals turned out to be my favorite moment in the show.
Rounding out the group, Aspyn’s Betty Jean is fierce and fun, with high energy that pulls attention in her direction. Her powerhouse voice is strong and forward, and she has many musical moments that shine throughout the night. Taking us on an emotional journey, her strong character yearns for the friends to remain close as her personal life has fallen apart, and her future seems uncertain.
Not only are these ladies talented onstage, but some even pull double or triple duty alongside a dedicated production crew. As musical director, McMullin leads this girl group perfectly and brings us many of our holiday favorites with flair and skilled technique. T. Trotter’s choreography complements the music well with simple routines that are pleasing to the eye, and her costumes are period dresses in vibrant colors that stand out brilliantly against the traditional holiday set design (Grace Heiner and Z. Trotter) of glistening Christmas trees and shiny holiday packages. The sixties’ styled hair and makeup by Kaitlin Mills complete the look and making the presentation complete are perfected lighting and sound (Ethan Anderson).
As if the sparkling showcase of glitter and songs isn’t enough, there is pre-show entertainment as well. Come early with the kids for a visit with Santa before the show.
With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, we could all use a chance to sit back and enjoy the holiday. The Winter Wonderettes provides us with all the glitz, glam and festive fun that can be packed into one night. It gives us the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of our favorite Christmas music with the whole family. Grab a group and head to the Rivoli Theater in Springville for the best office party in town.
Rivoli Acting Company presents Winter Wonderettes, Written and created by Roger Bean with music arrangements by Roger Bean and Brian Baker
Rivoli Theater 254 South Main Street, Springville, Utah, 84663
December 10-21, 2021, 7:00 PM Saturday Matinees 3:00 PM
Tickets – $20 Adults, $15 Students (with ID) and Children (2-12)
https://www.rivolistage.com/buy-tickets
801-477-0466
Website https://www.rivolistage.com/
Rivoli Acting Company Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/rivolistage
https://www.rivolistage.com/buy-tickets
Aww what a great review! I was the one taking these show photos and I absolutely agree — this is such a fun and funny show, perfect for families!