BWW Reviews: Stages' THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS is a Guaranteed Good Time

For a third time, Rachael Logue, Chelsea Ryan McCurdy, Christina Stroup, and Holland Vavra are taking the stage as The Marvelous Wonderettes, and Houston audiences couldn't be more thrilled. Stages Repertory Theatre is currently producing the Regional Premiere of Roger Bean's frilly musical THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS, which takes audiences to 1958 for the quartets graduation and to 1968 for Missy's wedding. This sweet as cotton candy, fluffy theatre confection sells the audience with powerhouse performances and delights with nostalgic appeal.

These talented young women first took Houston by storm when they opened the Regional Premiere Roger Bean's THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES on July 14, 2010. The show was originally set to close on October 17, 2010, but by popular demand was extended through March 13, 2011. The celebrated show had well over 100 lauded performances and even added Sing Along Fridays, giving audiences many reasons to return to the show over and over. In 2012, the quartet returned to their roles for the Regional Premiere of Roger Bean's holiday follow-up WINTER WONDERETTES, and elated Houston audiences once again. Naturally, when Stages announced they'd be producing Roger Bean's third installment in his WONDERETTES trilogy, audiences immediately began buzzing with anticipation. Fervent ticket sales caused THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS to extend before the cast even opened the show.

Direction and Choreography by Melissa Rain Anderson emphasizes the cute factor of the show and keeps all the humor family-friendly. While some bits may shock adults, they are sure to fly over the heads of the naïvely innocent. Each character is masterfully differentiated from the others, which makes the abundant sight gags, the chemistry on stage, and the perfectly timed line deliveries all the more fantastic. Throughout the entire production, Melissa Rain Anderson has coached her cast to maintain an infectious and invigorating energy that ensures no moment in the production drags. From the impressive a cappella rendition of "Pomp and Circumstance" that opens the show to Suzy's final "goodbye," the audience is beguiled by the fascinating characters, their individual and collective whimsy, and their adorable dances.

Musical Direction by Luke Kirkwood guarantees that every note, whether sung or played by the band, is pristine and clear. He has excellently coach the four girls to sing with alluring personality, making their sparkling talents all the more effervescent and enjoyable. Behind the stage, Luke Kirkwood leads the band, featuring him and Timothy Boaz on Keyboards, Robert Wolf on Guitar, and Joe Beam on Drums. Together they keep the vivaciously earnest music popping with a fresh, toe-tapping zeal.

Chelsea Ryan McCurdy's Missy is the leader of the songstresses and effortlessly commands attention to make sure that their performances move forward. She comes across as bossy and domineering in a way that is completely endearing and loveable. Morevoer, Chelsea Ryan McCurdy's dazzling and emotive voice shines brilliantly on "Don't Mess With Bill," "River Deep, Mountain High," and "It's Only Make Believe," where she unleashes her impressive and sturdy Broadway belt. Her solo in "Teacher, Teacher" leaves the audience breathless from laughing and astonished by her ebullient charm and wit.

Ditzy Suzy, the audience's favorite, is impeccably played by Holland Vavra. Everything about her persona in the character is exuberantly bubbly. She deftly makes the audience roll with laughter at all of her sweetly hilarious idiosyncratic mannerisms. Holland Vavra's takes on "Rock and Roll Waltz," "Sealed With A Kiss," and "(What A) Wonderful World" are charismatic and lovely crowd-pleasers. Her version of "Good Lovin'" is powerful and simply stellar.

Christina Stroup is flawless as the soulful Betty Jean, Missy's second in command. Often bickering with Cindy Lou, she seems to think of herself as an also-ran. Yet, when she opens her mouth to sing she proves she is a contender and the spirited backbone of the group. She astounds on "You Gotta Be a Football Hero," "Personality," "Oh Boy!," and "Wishin' and Hopin'." Yet, it is Christina Stroup's soaring, heartfelt, and gorgeous performances of "It's Gonna Take A Miracle" and "You Keep Me Hangin' On" that truly blow the audience away. These two numbers serve as the emotional center of the production, and send audiences home fully satisfied.

The provocative Cindy Lou is deftly played and sung by Rachael Louge, who winks and waves at members of the audience with a perfected sultry grace. Her reckless abandon with relationships and hearts spices several moments of the play up, but under the lascivious exterior is also a caring heart of gold. Rachael Louge does extraordinary jobs with "My Boy, Flat Top" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'," but she fiercely exudes confidence and surprising vulnerability with her opulent, stirring rendition of "When You Walk In The Room."

As an ensemble, the quartet is truly marvelous. Their chemistry on stage is relatable and real. Likewise, some of the best moments in the show come from when they sing as a group. With their animated and cheerful opening of "Pomp & Circumstance/V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N," the women exponentially amplify the current of joy pervading the air. Collectively, they continue to dazzle as they adroitly sing and harmonize on "Ding Dong," the "Rock At The Hop" Medley, "Dedicated To The One I Love," and more.

Scenic Design by Ryan McGettigan picturesquely recreates a gymnasium/auditorium combo. He fancifully utilizes color on his set, pairing almost seafoam green walls, a favorite of public building in the 1950s, with inviting purple tiles and accents. He has also built in some wonderful levels, giving the women a multidimensional stage for them to perform on and play with.

Costume Design by Tiffani Fuller is colorful and fun. Each of the women is given a color palate that is all her own-blue for Missy, purple for Betty Jean, pink for Suzy, and yellow for Cindy Lou. This choice differentiates the ladies from one another while filling the stage with soft, warm colors that emphasize the mirthfully glowing and lively aura of the production.

Lighting Design by David Gipson bathes the stage in candy colored concert lighting that keeps everything radiantly luminous, tonally light, and jovial.

Sound Design by Yezminne Zepeda balances the amplification of the off-stage band and the human vocals with purposeful precision. No note, word, or lyric is ever lost. Most importantly, the volume is always kept at a controlled and comfortable level.

Properties Design by Jodi Bobvrosky follows suit with Tiffani Fuller's color-coded Costume Design and is resplendently engaging. My favorites in the design include the Chipmunk beach balls, the Football Playing Chipmunk, and the "Secret, Secret, I've Got a Secret" hat.

Projection Design by Jack Ivy is effective and attractive.

For this production, be sure to arrive to Stages Repertory Theatre a little early. The team at Stages has created an immersive experience for the show, so you won't want to miss out on seeing the decorated lobby or leaving a personal graduation message for The Wonderettes. Also, mosey out of the theatre during intermission, so you can see the changed decorations for Missy's wedding reception, sign the guestbook, and maybe even enjoy some punch.

Stages Repertory Theatre's Regional Premiere production of Roger Bean's THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS is a guaranteed good time. So, beat the heat, take a seat, and enjoy this summery treat! These four women are sumptuously talented and are sure to amaze you. The lively show is sure to fill you with joy and pick you up. Also, with no new Wonderettes show currently being written, this may be your last time to see these four women take the stage together for quite some time.

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS runs on Stages Repertory Theatre's Arena Stage through September 1, 2013. Form more information and tickets, please visit http://stagestheatre.com or call (713) 527 - 0123.

All photos by Bruce Bennett. Courtesy of Stages Repertory Theatre.

To post a comment, you must register and login.