"The Marvelous Wonderettes" On Stage At the Reedley Opera House

by Lorie Lewis Ham

You can be transported to the '50s and '60s in the month of May by attending the musical comedy The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Reedley Opera House.

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The Marvelous Wonderettes pays homage to the high school Songleader squads of the 1950s. Springfield High Songleaders, Betty Jean (Lana Rotan), Cindy Lou (Makayla Cowin), Missy (Courtney Cowin) and Suzy (Laramie Woolsey), are called upon at the last minute to entertain at their senior prom. The first act takes place entirely at the prom and interwoven amongst the songs we get to know a bit about the four friends. Missy is the leader of the group and is a bit more proper and responsible than the others. Betty Jean, or BJ as she prefers, is the tomboy and has some anger issues. Suzy is a bit innocent and your stereotypical ditsy blonde. Cindy Lou is the boy chasing, prom queen type of girl, who isn't above stealing someone else's boyfriend. In this act, the girls sing some of the great and familiar pop songs of the day like "Mr. Sandman," "Lolipop," "All I Have to Do is Dream," and many others.

Left to right-Missy (Courtney Cowin), Suzy (Laramie Woolsey), Cindy Lou (Makayla Cowin), and in back Betty Jean (Lana Rotan)

Act 2 is set at their 10 year reunion where we get to see what has happened to the girls during that time. I won't share how their lives have changed, but some have changed massively, while others seem to still be stuck back in high school. Through the '60s songs of this act, the girls share their joys and pain. Songs in the second act include "It's My Party," "Leader of the Pack," and "RESPECT."

All four girls fit their roles perfectly. Lana and Laramie are a riot and keep you laughing all through the show. Each girl gets several solos, and you are treated to a lot of girl group type harmony. The songs are pretty and fun and each girl has a lovely voice. If you are looking for a fun time out with lots of laughter and great music, don't miss The Marvelous Wonderettes, which will be on stage at the Opera House in Reedley until May 17. This would be a perfect show to take mom to on Mother's Day! Tickets can be purchased on their website or by calling 559-638-6500.

Lorie Lewis Ham is KRL's editor-in-chief/publisher. She has published in many venues through the years and has 5 published mystery novels. You can learn more about Lorie's writing on her blog Mysteryrat's Closet.