By McKay Jenkins
The Grand Theatre in Salt Lake City has a bona fide hit on their hands with their 28th season opener The Marvelous Wonderettes. Written and created by Roger Bean, this blast from the past assures every theatre goer will leave with a smile on their face. Featuring countless hits from the 50s and 60s, this jukebox musical is the perfect opener for what looks to be a promising season.
Actresses Britty Marie (Betty Jean), Natalie Peterson (Cindy Lou), Emily Woods (Suzy), and Breezy Bassett (Missy) all turn out unforgettable performances in their respective roles.
Marie will have you in stitches with her portrayal of the dorky yet lovable Betty Jean. Her character choices in songs such as “Allegheny Moon” and “Lucky Lips” are a true master class in comedic acting. The commitment she shows to her character and comedic timing make her an absolute delight to watch on stage.
Peterson nails the sickly sweet, occasionally volatile character of Cindy Lou. Her stage presence is powerful and commanding. Her interactions with Marie made for a side-splitting “frenemy” relationship that keeps the audience laughing the entire performance.
Woods brings a jubilant spirit to the character of Suzy. She is an absolute vocal powerhouse. This is particularly evident in “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” and “Respect”. Her genuine sweetness is a nice contrast to the quirkier characters of the show.
Bassett is a perfectly awkward Missy. She not only displays outstanding vocal ability in songs like “Secret Love” and “It’s in His Kiss/Wedding Bell Blues”, she also shows her tremendous comedic chops in songs such as “Mr. Lee” and “With This Ring”. Bassett expertly portrays Missy’s anxiousness by making it comical whilst also keeping it grounded in realism.
Not only is the talent onstage outstanding, but the production itself is a glittery, technicolor piece of eye candy from start to finish. From the moment you enter the theatre, nostalgia hits you square in the face. Every detail from the vintage microphones to the old school PA system hung above the stage suggests you have traveled back in time several decades. No detail is too small for the incredible scenic design by Halee Rasmussen and Properties Design by Máire Nelligan.
Similar praises can be sung for the other technical elements of the production including the Lighting Design by Seth Miller and Sound Design by Adam Day. Both work together seamlessly to produce an effect that transports you right into the era of the show. Costume Design by Shannon Mulcock and Hair and Makeup Design by Lindsea Garside also help bring the audience back in time. They make the transition from 1958 in Act I to 1968 in Act II clear and help facilitate in not only the changing times but the change that happens in the characters over this ten-year period.
Director/Choreographer Jim Christian makes this easy to love show even more endearing with his quickly paced and high energy direction. The choreography is subtle but requisite for the music heavy show. Music direction by Kenneth Plain was impeccable. The Wonderettes are always confident in their often demanding vocal harmonies. It would be impossible to pick a favorite number from the show since all were executed with perfection.
You owe it to yourself and your friends and family and kids to get out and see The Marvelous Wonderettes at The Grand Theatre in Salt Lake City. This charming and hilarious production is the perfect way to escape your end-of-summer blues.
The Grand Theatre Presents The Marvelous Wonderettes, Written and Created by Roger Bean
The Grand Theatre, 1575 S State St., Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Contact: 801-957-3322
August 16-18, 22-25, 29-31, September 1, 5-8, 2018
7:30 PM Wed-Sat, Sat matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $10-20
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The Marvelous Wonderettes Facebook Event
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