With its The Marvelous Wonderettes, Mountain Theatre Company serves up a radiant explosion of nostalgia, harmony, and heart – a true delight for anyone seeking an afternoon or evening of feel-good entertainment.
Set against the backdrop of a 1958 high school prom and a later (more shadowed) 10-year reunion, The Marvelous Wonderettes whisks audiences away on a delightful journey through pop music history. Featuring hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s, the show serves up a jukebox of timeless classics like “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” and “It’s My Party.” But this isn’t just a concert – it’s a heartfelt story of friendship, love, and self-discovery, told through the lens of four unforgettable characters.
The Mountain Theatre Company has pulled out all the stops to bring this production to life. From the moment the lights dimmed, and the four talented performers took the stage, the audience was swept up in the magic. Each actor brought a unique sparkle to their role, embodying their characters with authenticity, humor, and charisma. Their chemistry was palpable, and their voices – oh, their voices – blended, in exquisite harmony that sent chills down the spine. It was impossible not to smile (and occasionally sing along) as they recreated these beloved hits with energy and flair.
Catara Brae brings a vibrant energy to the character of Missy. Known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, Catara’s song choices often include upbeat and soulful numbers that showcase her vocal range and ability to connect with the audience. Her “Secret Love” – reveals her crush on her off-limits Mr. Lee, and the clandestine relationship is limned through “Wedding Bell Blues” and “With This Ring.” She’s somehow channeling the young Aretha Franklin with her astonishing range and unexpected display of raw vocal power on “You Don’t Own Me,” a performance that made me gasp!
Abigail Gordiany portrays Betty Jean with brilliant comic beats and a charming and heartfelt performance. Her song choices typically feature classic hits and emotional ballads that highlight her expressive singing style and ability to convey deep emotions through her music. As evidence, consider her unfiltered “I Only Want to Be With You,” “That’s When the Tears Start” and “It’s My Party.” Betty Jean’s venting to a castmate who’s covertly playing with her boyfriend, “Lipstick on Your Collar” – is a cri de cœur with exquisite comic timing.
Erin Leigh Knowles captures the essence of Suzy with her delightful and engaging performance. Her song selections often include playful and catchy tunes that reflect her character’s fun-loving personality. She dazzles with “Stupid Cupid” – bubbly and flirtatious, dedicated to her prom date Ritchie and continues to enchant with “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me,” and “Maybe I Know.” She finds her inner Aretha with “Rescue Me,” raw, full-throated and drenched with heart-felt passion blended with a dash of pathos; and brings it all home with “Respect.” That last is an anthem for the ages, and Ms. Knowles extracts every bit of conviction from its clarion call lyrics.
Jillian Worthing brings a captivating presence to the role of Cindy Lou. Her song choices usually consist of nostalgic and melodic pieces that emphasize her smooth vocals and ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth in her audience. Cindy Lou is a nonchalant Mae West, a player for the ages before the world knew the word “player.” (Though this breed of coquettes has been reliable chaos agents since the days of Eve, with her friendly curves and silver-tongued words and sweet, sweet temptations.) She slinks and simmers through “Lucky Lips” (a paeon to her confidence and charm), “Leader of the Pack,” and “Maybe.” And let’s face it, her “Son of a Preacher Man,” is enough to, in the immortal words of Raymond Chandler (who knew plenty about Cindy Lous) “make a bishop kick a hole in a stained-glass window.”
The staging and design were equally commendable. The set, with its vibrant streamers and vintage prom decor, was a trip down memory lane. Costume changes dazzled the eye, with each outfit meticulously capturing the era’s style while reflecting each character’s personality.
Attention to detail was everywhere, from the clever lighting cues that underscored emotional moments to the playful choreography that had the entire theater tapping their toes.
Perhaps what makes The Marvelous Wonderettes so special, though, is its heart. Beneath the glitz and catchy tunes lies a touching narrative about life’s ups and downs and the enduring power of friendship. The Mountain Theatre Company has tapped into this emotional core with sensitivity and grace, ensuring that, while audiences are entertained, they’re also deeply moved.
By the time the final curtain fell, the standing ovation was inevitable. Laughter, nostalgia, and a few tears filled the room as the cast took their well-deserved bows. It’s rare to find a show that so seamlessly combines entertainment with genuine emotional resonance, but this production achieves it with aplomb.
The Marvelous Wonderettes isn’t just a musical – it’s a celebration of the moments and melodies that bring us together.
And like its playbill brother Forever Plaid, Wonderettes at first registers as light pop entertainment, as insubstantial as a cotton candy souffle, yet through the nuanced performances of its quartet it acquires an emotional heft that cannot be denied.
For those who haven’t yet experienced this treasure, do yourself a favor and grab a ticket – visit mountaintheatre.com or call (828) 526-2695.
When Wonderettes is paired with its playbill brother Forever Plaid, you can be certain that Mountain Theatre Company is providing the Plateau with entertainment that’s destined to lodge in your heart and the playful part of your brain.
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