“The Marvelous Wonderettes” bring big voices, big fun to Ritz Theatre in October

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This jukebox musical to delight all ages with hair, dress and sounds of the 1950s and ‘60s

 Image result for “The Marvelous Wonderettes”SHEFFIELD-You won’t need a DeLorean to go back in time when you visit The Ritz Theatre in Sheffield. It might not be a time machine, but for two weekends in October, the historic theatre will take audiences to 1958 and 1968 as it transforms into Springfield High School.

That’s where “The Marvelous Wonderettes” will take place as four girls —Mikayla Camp as Cindy Lou, April Simone as Missy, Mary Grace Camp as Suzy and Logan Hill as Betty Jean — will perform at their high school senior prom. In the second act, the Marvelous Wonderettes return to Springfield for their 10-year class reunion. The girls sing hits such as “It’s my Party,” “Mr. Sandman,” “Leader of the Pack,” “RESPECT,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and many more.

David Hope will direct the show along with the incoming Ritz Theatre Artistic Director Dennis Clark who is also the choreographer for the show. Gene Anne Gifford is the music director.

Hope said the ability to perform tight harmonies in addition to being good comedic actresses will be the biggest challenge for the cast.

“We’ve got a great cast, and all of them are very talented and very experienced vocalists,” Hope said. “The show requires four really good vocalists because the harmonies in 1950s and ’60s girl group music are just incredibly tight and close. It takes a lot of skill and we are very fortunate that we have that in this cast.”

David Hope

Roger Bean wrote “The Marvelous Wonderettes” in 1999 and it was first staged at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre in 2001. It had an Off-Broadway run in 2008 and an Off-Broadway revival in 2016.

“It’s a family show, so bring your kids, it’s not possible to not like this music.” Hope said. “… It’s very colorful. It’s a wonderful musical package wrapped up in bubblegum cotton candy, just pure fun.”

The songs performed in “The Marvelous Wonderettes” are iconic and timeless, Hope added. And together, with the humorous way the story ties all the music together, it makes for a fun night where patrons can leave their worries at the door.

“The Marvelous Wonderettes” will be produced at 7:35 p.m., Oct. 4, 5, 6, 11 and 12 at the Ritz Theatre, 111 W. Third St., Sheffield.  Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and they’re available at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N. Water St., Tuscumbia, by calling 256-383-0533 or online at tvaa.net.

 

Media Release/Bobby Bozeman, Marketing and program development/Tennessee Valley Art Association

 

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