Get ready to tap your toes and sing along to your favorite ‘50s and ‘60s tunes in this heartwarming, feel-good jukebox musical. Performed with infectious charm and vibrant energy, this delightful production celebrates friendship, girl power, and those unforgettable high school memories by Oil Lamp Theater in Glenview.
Set at the 1958 Springfield High School prom, we meet four high-spirited young ladies — Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy — decked out in colorful dresses who sing their hearts out in beautiful harmony.
As the Wonderettes perform beloved hits like “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” and “Mr. Sandman,” you’ll learn about their hopes and dreams, heartaches, and hilariously rivalries as well as a few secrets. Act Two fast-forwards to their ten-year reunion, where life didn’t exactly turn out as planned, but the music—and the magic—never stops.
Written and created by Roger Bean, with musical arrangements by Brian William Baker, orchestrations by Michael Borth, vocal arrangements by Roger Bean and Brian William Baker, the show has been extended through July 20. The Marvelous Wonderettes is directed with precision by Lauren Katz, who keeps the tunes in focus, with musical direction by Aaron Kahn, and choreographed by Dominique Ruffalo.
The four actresses each bring distinct personalities to the stage with flawless comic timing, rich vocals, and undeniable chemistry. Whether belting out “It’s My Party” or smoothing over heartbreak with “Leader of the Pack,” each number is packed with emotion and theatrical sparkle.
What makes this production so special is the interactive elements from taking prom pictures to voting for the prom queen that make the audience highly engaged in the performance.
The cast of The Marvelous Wonderettes includes Trillium Falotico as Cindy Lou, the flirt of the group and boyfriend stealer. The performance of Aneesah Jemei as Suzy is powerful and heartbreaking. Hannah Kipp as Betty Jean is the wisecracker who showcases a highlight of emotions, and Jennifer Ledesma who belts it out as Missy.
The set is charmingly retro, the costumes and hairstyles are gorgeous, and the jam-packed musical numbers keep the show humming along. Whether you’re reliving your own high school days or discovering these golden oldies for the first time, The Marvelous Wonderettes is pure joy from beginning to end. Marvelous, indeed.
Oil Lamp Theater is located at 1723 Glenview Road in downtown Glenview. Tickets and information.
Next up for the theater company is “Side by Side” by Sondheim from August 15 – September 7. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers, Jule Styne. Celebrate the life and works of the late, great Stephen Sondheim with Side By Side By Sondheim. Featuring songs from Gypsy, Company, West Side Story, A Little Night Music, Follies and more, this musical revue offers a captivating journey through the wit and brilliance of one of Broadway’s greatest musical storytellers.
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