Theater Review: ‘Marvelous Wonderettes’ Continues To Delight At CCTC/HJT

From “All I Have To Do Is Dream” to “You Don’t Own Me,” Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre’s production of “The Marvelous Wonderettes” is both marvelous and wonderful. It’s playing through Sept. 21, and if you’re looking for a fun show, this is just the ticket.

The show bursts with great ‘50s and ‘60s music performed by a quartet of talented women backed by a great instrumental trio. It’s all about the music, with the show held together with the thinnest of plots: the Marvelous Wonderettes perform at their 1958 Springfield High senior prom (Act I) and then again at their 10-year reunion (Act II). Prom is, of course, fraught with teen angst, and the reunion with young adult angst as the women launch into marriage and engagement (and betrayal), pregnancy and tragedy.

But the story is sketched with the lightest of hands, just to set the context for the songs. The music is the big deal here, and Madison Mayer (as Missy), Amelia Burbine (Betty Jean), Samantha Walker (Suzy), and Francesca Jannello (Cindy Lou) knock hit after hit out of the park. The show was written by Roger Bean.

Mayer, who is reprising her role for the fourth time since 2018, owns and operates Cape Cod Charcuterie. Burbine appeared last season at the theater in “Dracula.” Walker teaches elementary school in Barnstable. Jannello works as a registered drama therapist and licensed mental health counselor.

Co-directors Bob Wilder and Suzette Hutchinson keep the stage full of sparkling movement. He’s also the music director and keyboardist, and she’s also the stage manager and choreographer, and they are masters of stage magic. The two hours, including intermission, pass without a dull moment. 

The women work beautifully together, seamlessly moving in and out of the spotlight and the background, their voices unique but blended. And their costumes, by Robin McLaughlin, are perfect: poufy and pastel for the ‘50s and mod and au-go-go for the ‘60s, just right for the kinds of dance that would happen at a ‘50s prom and a ‘60s reunion. How much changed in those 10 years!

In addition to Wilder, the band includes Chris Santos on drums and Berke McKelvey on reeds and electric guitar. All have extensive musical backgrounds and sit upstage as though they are session musicians. The show is lit in ways that suggest the ‘50s and then the ‘60s by Matt Kohler, as it plays out in the gym designed by Guy Trudeau. And that fierce “Chipmunks” logo of the school’s mascot was designed by Lucas Trudeau.

The actors/singers are so good that you can understand every word they say and sing (a shout-out to Kohler’s sound design, too). All in all, they performed 31 songs, and each one got several turns to front the band.

Just to name a few more, you’ll hear “Allegheny Moon,” “Mr. Lee,” “Mr. Sandman,” and “Secret Love” from the ‘50s, and “Heatwave,” “It’s My Party,” “Rescue Me,” and “Wedding Bell Blues” from the ‘60s. It’s a sure bet that a lot of us in the audience heard these songs on the radio when they were fresh hits, but there were a few little kids in the seats, too. People began to applaud and cheer after each number, and after the show they gave the cast and band a rousing, standing ovation. Go Chipmunks, although the Chipmunk Cheer — it’s right there in the playbill — is copyrighted!

 “The Marvelous Wonderettes” received the 2007 LA Ovation Award for best musical and spun off three sequels: “Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns,” “Winter Wonderettes,” and “Wonderettes: Dream On.” We “wonder” if the Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre will look at any of them with an eye toward future production.