Betty Jean News

Take a musical trip down memory lane at the Roxy Regional Theatre with the '50s and '60s musical comedy THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, opening tonight, May 31, at 8pm.

Take a musical trip down memory lane at the Roxy Regional Theatre with the '50s and '60s musical comedy THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, opening Friday, May 31, at 8pm.

I've been writing about Houston's extremely varied theater scene for a little over a year now. One thing I quickly learned is that there is never a dearth of quality productions to look forward to in this city. As summer is finally beginning to take hold of Houston, I can't help but anticipate the many happenings this season brings. In order of opening nights, I have listed the six productions I am most excited to experience.

By the time the final notes of Aretha Franklin girl-power anthem 'Respect' die down, after Friday's opening night crowd whooped and cheered as Anne Chamberlain juggled, flipped and successfully caught an errant microphone, you're totally, completely, utterly in love with the 'Marvelous Wonderettes.'

Following its acclaimed 16-week run at the Lookingglass Theatre Company this fall, Metamorphoses brings the mythical tales of Ovid to life at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, 10 years after the Broadway premiere. Written and directed by Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman, Metamorphoses is based on David Slavitt's translation and marks the first time Zimmerman will direct the production since its Broadway run. This is also the first time Zimmerman will stage Metamorphoses in the round, and a custom set will be designed with the largest pool of water ever created for this production. Metamorphoses dives onto the Fichandler Stage tonight, February 8-March 17, 2013.

Inspired by the real-life events of one family, author Richard W. Ellison immortalizes their experiences in his new trilogy. The first installment, 'Monmouth in the Morning: Book 1-A Gannon Family Trilogy'(published by iUniverse), introduces readers to the Gannon family and follows their adventures from 1913-1915.

Writer-director Roger Bean has turned innocent musical nostalgia into his livelihood. He has shaped jukebox musicals out of WWII ditties and radio jingles, but his topmost achievement is The Marvelous Wonderettes, a '50s-and-'60s revue. The irresistible sound of '50s and '60s pop tunes hold a distinctive soft spot in the hearts of those who grew up listening to them; that's for certain. But the music's cross-generational charm has an even broader reach.

Angelinos looking for a unique and satisfying "family-friendly-experience" in American music, featuring some of the best talent in the Los Angeles musical theatre world, are in for a real treat! This revised production of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN will open at Theatre Banshee, Burbank, tonight, January 18th thru February 10th, 2013.

Writer-director Roger Bean has turned innocent musical nostalgia into his livelihood. He has shaped jukebox musicals out of WWII ditties and radio jingles, but his topmost achievement is The Marvelous Wonderettes, a '50s-and-'60s revue. The irresistible sound of '50s and '60s pop tunes hold a distinctive soft spot in the hearts of those who grew up listening to them; that's for certain. But the music's cross-generational charm has an even broader reach.

Following its acclaimed 16-week run at the Lookingglass Theatre Company this fall, Metamorphoses brings the mythical tales of Ovid to life at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, 10 years after the Broadway premiere. Written and directed by Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman, Metamorphoses is based on David Slavitt's translation and marks the first time Zimmerman will direct the production since its Broadway run. This is also the first time Zimmerman will stage Metamorphoses in the round, and a custom set will be designed with the largest pool of water ever created for this production. Metamorphoses dives onto the Fichandler Stage February 8-March 17, 2013.

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), the not-for-profit which brought new life to the historic Theatre By The Sea for the past five years, has announced the opening of their first two productions at their new state-of-the-Art Theatre located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick. Something "Naughty & Nice" for the Holidays, which features productions of both SantaLand Diaries and The Winter Wonderettes, opened in previews on Wednesday, December 5.

The Ocean State Theatre Company opens their new Warwick performance space with carols and comedy in the tune-filled Christmastime cabaret 'The Winter Wonderettes.'

Angelinos looking for a unique and satisfying "family-friendly-experience" in American music, featuring some of the best talent in the Los Angeles musical theatre world, are in for a real treat! This revised production of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN will open at Theatre Banshee, Burbank, on January 18th thru February 10th, 2013. Produced by John Peters for J & J Productions, this warmhearted musical comedy based on the "Peanuts" comic strip, welcomes Television, Movie, Broadway Musical Theatre, & Award-Winning Stars: Carla Jimenez, Eymard Cabling, Colette Peters, Chris Duir, Chaz Feuerstine, Frankie Marrone, James Oronoz, Adam Trent, & Jennifer Strattan.

11th Hour Theatre Company opens its Mainstage season with the Philadelphia area premiere Roger Bean's Winter Wonderettes. In this sequel to 11th Hour's summer smash hit, The Marvelous Wonderettes, four best friends set out to spread a little Christmas cheer at Mr. Harper's annual holiday party. This show features some of the most popular pop holiday songs of all time. The show will run at the brand new Theatre Horizon, 401 Dekalb Street, Norristown. It begins previews on Friday, December 7, opens Monday, December 10 at 7 p.m. and closes Sunday, December 30. Tickets cost $15-$31. Discount tickets are available for students. Tickets and more information are available online at www.11thhourtheatrecompany.org or by phone at (267) 987-9865.

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), the not-for-profit which brought new life to the historic Theatre By The Sea for the past five years, has announced the opening of their first two productions at their new state-of-the-Art Theatre located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick. Something "Naughty & Nice" for the Holidays, which features productions of both SantaLand Diaries and The Winter Wonderettes, will open in previews tonight, December 5.

Roger Bean's The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns, the eagerly awaited sequel to the popular off-Broadway jukebox musical The Marvelous Wonderettes, has a brand new cast album. The show opened July 7th at Laguna Playhouse to sparkling reviews. Wonderettes creator Roger Bean has selected 32 songs for the new show and each one, from beloved classic to hidden treasure, has received the signature Wonderettes touch for the new album.

Nordstrom's may not be ready to get into the Christmas spirit before November 27, but Stages Repertory Theatre is reprising last year's wildly popular musical celebration of the season. Roger Bean's WINTER WONDERETTES is more a yuletide cabaret than a musical with plot. The barely-there story is about the Marvelous Wonderettes performing at Harper's Hardware Holiday Happening. Yet, the best gift of all is that Stages has reassembled their original Marvelous Wonderettes, giving these talented ladies a third opportunity to wow Houston audiences with every ounce of their charismatic star power.

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), the not-for-profit which brought new life to the historic Theatre By The Sea for the past five years, has announced the opening of their first two productions at their new state-of-the-art theatre located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick. Something "Naughty & Nice" for the Holidays, which features productions of both SantaLand Diaries and The Winter Wonderettes, will open in previews on Wednesday, December 5.

Stages' favorite girl group returns in a seasonal sequel. The Wonderettes (original cast) are back in this all-new holiday musical, WINTER WONDERETTES, written and created by Roger Bean.

Stages' favorite girl group returns in a seasonal sequel. The Wonderettes (original cast) are back in this all-new holiday musical, WINTER WONDERETTES, written and created by Roger Bean.