‘Wonderettes’ marvelous on VPA stage

WASILLA — The Wonderettes hit the Valley Performing Arts stage full force with their collection of songs from the 1950s and ’60s and comedy that is sure to keep the audience entertained for the entire musical comedy. Although there are only four players, the acting and singing is superb, and the play is made even better with the incorporation of the audience at certain points.

Director Garry Forrester draws the audience back to a high school prom performance in the 1950s as he leads this superb performance of “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” The play is set at the 1958 Springfield High School prom. The two acts happen on the high school prom stage, and the audience is watching the prom performance. Starting with songs like “Lollipop,” the play quickly gets started, engaging the audience and drawing many laughs. However, as the play progresses, cracks start to appear between the four girls’ friendships. The first act ends with the prom queen being chosen and the song, “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me.”

Act II is set at the same location, but 10 years later at a class reunion. The same girls are on stage again, and through the songs and laughs, the audience sees how the last 10 years have changed the girls.

The play proceeds smoothly with a hearty dose of humor that nicely compliments the actresses and their myriad of classic songs like “Stupid Cupid,” “It’s My Party,” “Son of a Preacher Man” and “It’s in His Kiss.”

The play easily engages the audience and holds attention because the actresses treat the audience members as if they are performing to win the prom queen title. There is no scene or costume changes in the acts, which make for a more cohesive performance that keeps the audience in the spirit of the play. The costumes are well designed and work well with the time the play is set. Musical director Linda Easton complements the acting as she leads her five-piece orchestra through the play. With a combination of superb acting, awesome music, clever comedy and classic songs, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” creates an extremely enjoyable experience for the audience.

The four actresses — Kelley Anderson, Heather Whittington, Karly O’Loughlin and Sarah Phillips — all perform well as they compete for the prom queen tiara. Phillips (Betty Jean Reynolds) and Anderson (Cindy Lou Huffington) have the audience laughing throughout the play as they compete against each other in the form of songs and antagonistic actions. Meanwhile, Whittington (Missy Miller) and O’Loughlin (Suzy Simpson) have their own share of humorous moments and awesome songs. The actresses’ acting styles and personalities complement each other nicely, creating a successful play.