Wow – what a superb return to live theatre! Theatre NorthWest has really hit one out of the park with its production of Roger Bean’s jukebox musical comedy The Marvelous Wonderettes, which runs until Dec. 19.
Entering the world of live entertainment once again felt a bit unfamiliar after such a long time and I wondered if the ensuing months during the pandemic might fuel some impatience with the untold number of variables involved with a live show. I’m typically not a huge fan of pop music shows and I was curious about whether there would be enough substance beyond the fluffy frills of 50s girl bands to appeal to me.
But this play is nothing short of a musical and comedic tour de force. Non-stop, top-quality singing against a bopping and hopping live band, with dancing and humour packing a punch that had me sitting up on the edge of my seat within minutes of the opening.
The four cast members, Ali Watson (Suzy), Shelby Meaney (Cindy Lou), Maggie Trepanier (Betty Jean) and Becca Thackray (Missy), are all powerhouses on stage – forming an amazingly talented ensemble, with stunning musical prowess. Great physical comedic actors as well - I must admit I had a smile on my face and was toe tapping and seat dancing throughout.
I’d rate the stage energy and song list up there with such musical classics such as Grease or Hairspray. The plot is light: basically a coming-of-age story covering a 10-year span of a four-way friendship. But the razzle dazzle of the stage design, the singing, and top-quality live band (lead by Peter Stevenson) makes for some of the most fun and delightful musical theatre this city has seen in years.
The song list in this show is prodigious, impressive and virtuosic – upwards of 25 classic hits by female soloists and groups from the 1950s and 1960s, all beautifully interpreted in four-part harmony by the cast.
A couple of additional shout-outs go to lighting designer Garry Harris (the lighting itself was a character in the play which lovingly interplayed with the audience), to Director Sarah Rodgers and Assistant Director Anna Russell (who gifted the show with high energy choreography), to Barb Parker for her exceptional music directing, and to the full-time artistic and technical staff at Theatre Northwest who really pulled out all the stops for this show.
Tickets for The Marvelous Wonderettes are on sale at theatrenorthwest.com. Seating is limited to 50% capacity so get your tickets soon for what could be one of your most favourite Christmas outings with family or friends in years. Also a reminder that Judy Russell’s The Nutcracker with the PGSO is a much-welcomed return after a pandemic induced hiatus. There are five performances, at 50% capacity of Vanier Hall, opening Dec. 17. Tickets are also available at theatrenorthwest.com.
