THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES Come To The Weston Playhouse 8/12-29

Reminiscent of a time when love was "Like a Heatwave," the golden era of the girl group returns to Weston as the Off Broadway hit The Marvelous Wonderettes brings good times and great tunes to the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company's Other Stages. Some of the best-loved songs of the ‘50s and ‘60s - from "Mr. Sandman" to "Leader of the Pack" - will fill the air as this hilarious, "feel good" production provides close harmonies and intense rivalries as big as the Wonderettes' crinoline skirts. Sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental, the show runs at the intimate Weston Rod & Gun Club, 1.5 miles north of Weston on Route 100, from August 12 through the 29th.

Written and created by Roger Bean, this Vermont premiere begins at the 1958 Springfield High School prom when the four Wonderettes, friends who are harmonious only when singing together, are called upon to provide the evening's entertainment. As they perform such classic hits as "Lollipop," "Stupid Cupid," "Lipstick on Your Collar," "It's My Party," and "Respect," we follow the highs and lows of these four competing friends at the prom, and later at their 10th reunion.

"I am a hopeless fan of the music from this era," says WPTC Producing Director Tim Fort, who is directing the production. "And having the opportunity to hear it this close - so beautifully arranged and sung - is my idea of heaven. I never want to leave the prom!"

The Wonderettes, played by four Playhouse favorites include Piper Goodeve (Oklahoma!, Swingtime Canteen, Spelling Bee), Suzanna Neeley Bridges (Les Misérables, Tartuffe, Big River), Amy Fitts (Hairspray, As You Like It, The Mikado) and Jennifer Zappola (Full Monty, Big River, Les Misérables). Assisting Director Tim Fort are six veterans of Weston's popular OtherStages program including Michael Hicks (Music Director), Terrie Robinson (Choreographer), Tim Mackabee (Scenic Designer), Travis McHale (Lighting Designer), Collette Benoit (Costume Designer) and Jess Johnston (Production Stage Manager).

Like all Weston productions, The Marvelous Wonderettes is complemented by extensive education and outreach programs. Director Fort will discuss the play 30 minutes before curtain on August 12, 13 and 14 (matinee only) and will lead talkbacks in the theatre following Sunday performances on August 15 and 22. A Stage Notes performance guide is available online at westonplayhouse.org.
Reservations for The Marvelous Wonderettes, the popular after-show Act IV Cabaret revue, and dinner at The Playhouse's Cafe at the Falls restaurant may be made at The Playhouse box office window, by calling 802-824-5288, or by visiting westonplayhouse.org. MasterCard, VISA and American Express are accepted. Ask about Vermont resident, youth and student discounts.

The Weston Playhouse Theatre Company is a non-profit organization supported in part by funds from the Vermont Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and an ever-growing family of individuals who believe in the impact that the performing arts can have on its community.

 

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