BWW Interviews: Christina Stroup Talks Stages Repertory Theatre's THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS

Stages Repertory Theatre is preparing their third installment of Roger Bean's delightful musical comedy series about The Marvelous Wonderettes. This whimsically nostalgic musical, entitled THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS, takes audiences to 1958 and 1968, letting audiences revel in the high school graduation of The Wonderettes and Missy's marriage to Mr. Lee. The score features iconic pop standards like "At the Hop," "Dancing in the Street," "River Deep, Mountain High," and more. Recently, I spoke with Christina Stroup, who plays Betty Jean, and she filled me in about what Houston audiences can expect from the highly anticipated feel good musical.

BWW: Stages Repertory Theatre is about to present the Houston Premiere of Roger Bean's THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS. What is it like stepping back into the shoes of Betty Jean?

Christina Stroup: When we get into rehearsal now, because we've done so many versions of the show, it's as if we never left. It's a really interesting rehearsal process because you don't discover your character. You just come in and you already are your character. We've been doing the show for about three years now, so it's always really fun to come back to it. I also find that we can actually layer on so much more to the show because we already know our characters so well.

BWW: When you first did THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES at Stages, did you ever think it would have grown into the local phenomenon it has become?

Christina Stroup: Honestly, I had no idea. I literally had just graduated from Sam Houston [State University] in May 2010. After we closed RENT, which I did up there, I had the audition for [THE MARVELOUS] WONDERETTES that following day and was cast that very same day. I thought, "That's great. I have a job right out of college. Awesome!" I remember we started doing the show, and everyone loved it. They kept on telling that we were extending and extending. It wound up being a nine-month run, which I think made it the longest running show that's been in Houston.

BWW: It is no secret that Houston audiences love The Marvelous Wonderettes. What was it like finding out that THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS was extended before the show even opened?

Christina Stroup: (Laughs) It was really exciting to hear, but I don't think that any of us were that surprised. When it comes to WONDERETTES, we just know that it's a really lovely, feel good show. It's very nostalgic, and it's just something that people can go and enjoy. When people leave the theatre, they're very happy. I think with how everything is going in America right now, like with the economy, it's nice for people to escape and go to the theatre, just to kind of forget, and leave feeling happy about something and not having to worry about life.

BWW: As true fans of the material, what can Houston audiences expect from THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS?

Christina Stroup: We actually go back to the 50s, which isn't in WINTER WONDERETES. For the first act, we're at our high school graduation. So you get to see the younger version of the girls, which is always a lot of fun. And there's a ton of songs that people will recognize. Then, for the second act we go into the 60s; we're at Missy's wedding. This has actually all happened before WINTER WONDERETTES at Harper's Hardware. That's kind of the timeline of events. Also, there's actually a big secret that you find out about Missy in the second act, which is really exciting.

BWW: Do audiences who may have missed one or both of THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES and WINTER WONDERETTES need to be filled on anything before seeing this show?

Christina Stroup: Honestly, I don't think so. From the way that Roger Bean wrote the show, you can kind of just come right into it and you'll see that part of the story. If you've seen all of them, there are little things that add up here and there that you can put together. But if you haven't seen any of them and you come to this show, you're going to enjoy it for what it is. It's already a great story, and actually what we've found in rehearsals is that this is our favorite one so far. It's actually been the most fun to do.

BWW: Roger Bean works surprisingly complex harmonies into these musicals. How do you prepare for a show like THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS?

Christina Stroup: Well, we actually are given rehearsal CDs, and we come into rehearsal off-book and knowing all of our music. So, once we come into rehearsal and work with our music director, we're able to just jump right in. We know all of our parts already so we can start fine tuning signing together, which is really great. I really enjoy that a lot because then we can get a really incredible sound and not have to worry about learning things right off hand.

BWW: What is the onstage and offstage dynamic like when you and your castmates are preparing a WONDERETTES show?

Christina Stroup: I will say that the group of us girls is like sisters. You know, we've been working together for so long and we actually all went to school together at Sam Houston [State University]. It's a really nice dynamic to have because we were friends before we started the show, and we've just kind of just continued this journey. We're all very lucky because it's like performing with your family.

BWW: That's awesome. I can attest to that as well. Having seen WINTER WONDERETTES, there was a chemistry there that is real and heartfelt.

Christina Stroup: Yeah, these characters that Roger Bean has written have become part of us. When we're on stage, you are not just seeing these characters, but you're seeing parts of us and our friendship as well.

BWW: These girls, while somewhat zany, are tangibly real too. What is your approach to ensuring that Betty Jean is entertaining but believable?

Christina Stroup: I find that of all of the characters, mine is the most real. Of course you have the comedic relief in Missy and Suzy. Then, Cindy Lou is the sassy one. But, they always describe me as the goofball with the heart of gold. My character always has the big ballad songs, and it kind of always strikes a real chord with people, like having to deal with my husband leaving and things of that nature. For my character, I have to find a really fine balance of the comedic aspect of WONDERETTES and the real aspect, so she's a real person, not just a comedienne on stage.

BWW: As an artist, what inspires you?

Christina Stroup: Honestly, I'd say I'm inspired by other performers. I love watching shows, singers, and even TV shows. I think some of the best things people come up with they've seen other people do. I just love being surrounded by art, music, and all things of that nature. I've just always wanted to perform. It's something that I've known since I was little, and it makes me the happiest just being on stage in front of people. I think just being on stage itself is something that keeps me going. When I'm not in a show, I don't know what to do with myself. I have to find things to do, and it just feels strange. So, I think I'm most inspired by my peers and by actually performing in and of its self.

BWW: What advice would you offer to others hoping to make a career in performing?

Christina Stroup: I would say that you have to just keep auditioning. You can't ever give up because you never know what a director's looking for. Sometimes talent doesn't even matter; it's just the way you look. It's a hard business because you are your own business, so any criticisms you get are directed at you personally. And you kind of have to leave that thought at the door and realize that since you are your own business, it's not really that personal. So, I'd say you have to keep auditioning, keep working hard, and eventually it will pay off. Also, if you put in good work and you're professional all the time, then people are going to want to work with you, and that always works out in your favor.

Due to high demand, Stages Repertory Theatre's presentation of THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS has already been extended before the show even opens. Snap up your tickets now before you're left out in the cold. THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS runs on Stage's Arena Stage from July 10 to September 1, 2013. For more information and tickets, visit stagestheatre.com or call (713) 527 - 0123.

Photo courtesy of Christina Stroup.

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