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The Marvelous Wonderettes
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Dixon Jackson, Chandler, Huber, Malone
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By Diana Ford
*Critic's Choice*
Just as the girls were about to hang up their prom dresses, producer David Elzer has announced The Marvelous Wonderettes, which has the distinction of being one of L.A.’s longest running, award-winning musical, will do-wop for another three weeks at the El Portal Forum Theater in North Hollywood. And, rumor has it, they may head to Off Broadway in New York this fall.
Since October, 2006, audiences have marveled at this quartet of substitute entertainers at their 1958 prom and the subsequent ten-year reunion of the Fighting Chipmunks of Springfield High. Multitalented Bets Malone, who originated the role of Suzy at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, said “Couples come and discover it, then return with all their friends. Some have come more than ten times.” She added, “We never expected it to run so long; it’s great because I am working with my best friends!” When asked which of the numbers is her favorite, she stated that listening to Kirsten sing “Maybe” is glorious. Well, I have to say, all the songs are glorious!
Writer/director Roger Bean uses 32 jukebox classics to tell the stories of four senior high school girls, reminding us how awkward we were as teenagers. Award-winning choreographer (LADCC award for Best Choreography), Janet Miller, has choreographed the movements to the songs we used to think were so cool and now look so silly. As the Wonderettes sing oldies like “Mr. Sandman”, “Dream Lover”, “It’s In His Kiss”, “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me”, and “Lollipop”, you can’t help but have a good time. Musical Theater veterans Kirsten Chandler (Cindy Lou), Julie Dixon Jackson (Betty Jean), Kim Huber (Missy), and Bets Malone (Suzy) are vocally perfect together and were recognized by the LADCC in 2007 for Best “Ensemble."
The entire design team does a great job, but a particular stand out is the wig design by Jeff Weeks, who incorporates all the popular hairstyles of the 50’s and 60’s.
When all the parts come together like they do in this show, you end up with a production selected as L.A. Times CRITIC’S Choice, LA Weekly GO! and Back Stage West CRITIC’S PICK. It’s no wonder the The Marvelous Wonderettes has been extended six times!
Bets shared with me that at age eighteen she went off to Southern Utah University with the intention of studying to be a classical actress. Fortunately for those of us who love musical theater sprinkled with comedy, Bets changed her mind!
The Marvelous Wonderettes, at the El Portal Forum, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm; (with select Saturday Matinees at 3 pm) and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $40 for Thursdays and Fridays and $45 for Saturdays and Sundays. For Tickets, please call 888-505-7469 or visit www.TIX.com or www.marvelouswonderettes.com.
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