Written by Steven Maisonet
Welcome to O’Connell & Company’s The Marvelous Wonderettes—a reunion of grooviness, romance, a tenacious retiree, and a night filled with your favorite songs!
The Marvelous Wonderettes, by Roger Bean, is a jukebox musical set in the early ’70s that uses your favorite ’50s and ’60s jams to tell the story of four wonderful girls who are the life of the party at reunions, retirement parties, and more!
“It’s 1969, and the Marvelous Wonderettes are back at Springfield High (Go Chipmunks!) to throw a retirement party for their favorite homeroom teacher. As the girls sing their way through the greatest girl-group hits of the ’60s and bid Ms. McPherson a fond farewell, one of the Wonderettes reveals she’ll also be saying goodbye to search for success and happiness on her own. Act II finds the girls back together as the class of 1958 celebrates their 20-year reunion. The classic pop and rock hits of the ’70s provide the perfect soundtrack for these old friends to catch up on the paths life has led them, all performed with their own marvelous spin!”
This iconic and fabulous quartet are everything you want. If you are a fan of Mamma Mia’s Donna & Dynamos, Dreamgirls, and Six: The Musical, this is the show for you! The “Wonderful” Marvelous Wonderettes were led and directed by Joey Bucheker, who also served as the voice of Principal Varney. Bucheker, who always delivers a night of joy and dance, created a wonderful vision of four ladies who danced and belted the night away, captivating audience members with sequined outfits, fluorescent set design, and immersive performances. This show is simple and quirky—the perfect production to bring your parents to! The unseen Ritchie Stevens, who managed the light board, did a phenomenal job lighting the dance floor for these ladies.
The Marvelous Wonderettes are composed of Cindy Lou, Betty Jean, Missy, and Suzie; and if they are the Wonderettes, I am the reviewer (an inside joke you’ll understand after you see the show). Each actress sparkled and shone brightly, effortlessly outshining one another with their solo performances, all while being supported by their talented castmates as the “backup” singers.
First up is the incredible and audacious Dasia Cervi. “My oh my,” can Cervi belt! Portraying the one-hit wonder Wonderette, Cindy “Cynthia” Lou, she captivated the audience with her powerful voice and remarkable interpretation of the character. If these Wonderettes had a “Beyoncé,” Cindy Lou would undoubtedly claim that title. Next, we have Betty Jean, played by the ever-charismatic Smirna Mercedes —a familiar face in the O’Connell & Company family—who brought her own sparkle to the role of the tough-hearted and edgy Betty Jean “BJ.” Mercedes infuses her characters with a distinctive flair, and in this performance, she masterfully conveys Betty Jean’s serious and newly discovered feminist perspective. The dynamic between Mercedes and Cervi was a highlight of the show, as they playfully competed with each other, their chemistry adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their performances. Their interactions with the lucky audience member portraying the mysterious retiring Miss McPherson created a delightful and engaging experience, making the audience feel like an integral part of the action.
Casey Moyer, in her role as Missy, delivered a heartfelt performance that resonated with the audience through poignant ballads of heartbreak and miscommunication. Her portrayal of Ms. Missy Lee, Springfield’s new Vice Principal, was a masterful blend of authority and warmth, bringing a nuanced charm to the character. Moyer’s powerful vocals in “Maybe” showcased her range and elicited genuine empathy, making her character’s struggles relatable and impactful. Last but certainly not least is Suzie, brought to life by the talented Audrianna Yates. The saying “blondes have more fun” rings true in Yates’s delightful portrayal of this sweet and “naïve” character. Yates masterfully captures Suzie’s innocence and charm, infusing her performance with an infectious energy that lights up the stage. Her unique ability to “spill the beans” through a rapid-fire delivery adds a layer of humor and whimsy, showcasing her impressive comedic timing. Not only does Yates sing her heart out, eliciting genuine emotion from the audience, but she also delivers her lines with remarkable breath control—her stamina and vocal prowess leave us in awe, as she seamlessly navigates the fast-paced dialogue without losing momentum. These wonderful ladies matched pitch, harmonized, and maintained a fashionable flair in their performances.
Timmy Goodman, who coordinated the outfits, did a phenomenal job blending each lady’s attire; in Act II, if you pay close attention, each lady’s outfit complements the next through their sequined belts. Reuben Julius Schwartz brought the disco boogie scene to life with his metallic chrome balloons and neon fluorescent backdrops, which complemented Jay Marks’s lighting that spotlighted this production’s outstanding set design.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to be part of the show, this is the one for you. Fair warning for those who shy away from attention and the spotlight: sit as far from the aisles as possible, or you may find yourself part of this wonderful cast!
O’Connell & Company’s production of The Marvelous Wonderettes runs until November 24th, 2024. Tickets can be purchased at the box office and online at https://www.oconnellandcompany.com/
