Majestic Theater, West Springfield, MA
through May 26, 2019
by Konrad Rogowski
Loaded with dozens of “top ten” songs from the pop music
charts of the 50’s and 60’s, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” is a fanciful trip
down memory lane to the gymnasium of Rockville High, and the romances and
rivalries of four young girls who are the featured performers at their senior
prom.
In Act I, which is set in 1958, life starts out so well,
until simmering egos, and just who gets the spotlight next, plunge the
festivities into the realm of youthful angst and who just stole whose boyfriend
last. All quite predictable, and predictably fun.
The retelling of these dizzying dramas is cleverly woven
together by the Wonderettes portrayed by Mollie Posnik, Tina Sparkle, Kait
Rankins, and Kaytlyn Vandeloecht, as the names of those fickle boyfriends and favorite school staff members (kudos to the volunteers from the audience for a wealth of suggestions), just
happen to be part of those great 50’s and 60’s songs, giving the girls plenty
of ammunition to tell their tales of woe, and belittle their rivals.
Act II moves the foursome on to 1968, and their ten-year
high school reunion. The years may have marched on, but some of those old
hurts, insecurities, and rivalries just can’t be kept under control. As these
things tend to do, the girls reach a boiling point, all done with great 60’s
pop tunes of love and loss. Surprisingly, even some wisdom is gained, until all
is well once again at Rockville High, as romance flourishes, the past fades,
and friendships are rekindled.
Danny Eaton’s direction keeps the pace fast and fun,
colorful costumes by Dawn McKay shine on stage, and the gym setting is classic,
down to the photos of Ike and LBJ, red alarm bells, the stars and stripes
displayed (with the correct number of stars), and the basketball court
hardwoods are polished to a sheen. Like proms and reunions, this show is a fun
evening to remember.
