Theater Review Musical just 'Marvelous' at The Pines
Step back to an era when big hair, cat's-eye glasses and go-go boots were cutting-edge fashion accessories and enjoy an energetic quartet harmonize non-stop hit songs from the 1950s and '60s.
"The Marvelous Wonderettes" by Roger Bean, with music arrangements by Brian William Baker and directed by Oliver Blatt, continues through Oct. 28 The Pines Dinner Theatre, Allentown.
The singing group, "The Marvelous Wonderettes," first appear in the Springfield High School's prom queen contest, wowing the house with their fast-moving rock 'n' roll hit repertoire. Though friends, they're very competitive for attention from cute boys.
Amber Kerestes as Cindy Lou gets a well-earned nickname from the song "Lucky Lips" for her boyfriend-stealing ways. Kerestes can sing lead, harmonize beautifully and act. She's a delight to watch and listen to when the four friends launch the show with "Mr. Sandman" and "Lollipop."
Boyfriend-stealing has its consequences when Sarah Folsom, as mischievous Betty Jean, fights back tears and gets revenge by making Cindy's occasional solos hard to do. Folsom's class-clown persona steals the "30-second simultaneous talent competition" scene with her much anticipated blazing-baton twirling act.
Blind without her eyeglasses Missy, played by talented Lia Peros, morphs from tall and awkward teenager to gorgeous twentysomething when the foursome meets for a Wonderettes' reunion 10 years later. Peros leads the harmony with a wonderful rendition of "My Heart is an Open Book."
Bubblegum-chewing, blonde and athletic Jennie McGuiness as Suzy gets a lot of attention whether she's simulating buckteeth for the "Chipmunk Cheer" or belting out "Stupid Cupid" while lamenting her love life.
By the time McGuiness' Suzy gets to the Wonderettes' 10-year reunion, Cupid has gotten the best of her. She's hilarious as she tries to find the glamorous part of getting too close to Cupid's arrows.
These hardworking beauty queens deliver more than 30 songs in the hit tune-rich show.
Patrick Therriault, a surprise pick from the audience opening night, Sept. 7, to be the off-stage romantic interest, produced audience-pleasing moments with his quick-witted and charming responses, portraying Mr. Lee and Bill.
Blatt, Stacey B. Yoder and Stacy Bechtel open the show with a terrific act to warm up the audience.
Sound and light operator Richard Gensiak takes Blatt's set and lighting design with a smooth transition from a late '50's' high school production to late '60's ballroom glitz.
Blatt's choreography ties the multitude of songs together with charming dance numbers as the actors deliver a fabulous show.
Carline Blatt's costume design and Yoder's costume supervision is perfect in capturing the eras' style.








