Winter Wonderettes
When times are tough, as they are today, we all need a cup of
ambrosia. Musical Theatre West comes to the rescue with a snappy
new production of "Winter Wonderettes"--Roger Bean's sequel to his
former smash-hit, "The Marvelous Wonderettes."
Directed by Bean (with added musical and vocal arrangements by
Brian Baker), this Christmas musical is a nostalgic trip back to the
sixties that will lighten your mood, gladden your heart, lift your
spirit, and put a spring in your step.
Everything takes place in Harper's Hardware Store during its
annual Christmas party. The boss is late as usual, so four of his
faithful employees attempt to fill the gap by entertaining the
guests until he arrives.
That's the basic premise, so face it; you're a guest at a holiday
party! The magic begins the minute Misty Cotton (Missy), Julie Jackson
(Betty Jean), Bets Malone (Suzy) and Lowe Taylor (Cindy Lou) take the
stage. Not only do they belt out 25 all-time Christmas favorites in
perfect harmony (and loads of panache), they play ditzy characters who
banter/bicker among themselves and with the audience while doing it.
Together their talents are captivating; as individuals
their personalities are responsible for the show's charm.
Misty plays Missy, the group's dumb-as-a-fox leader; Julie plays
Betty Jean, the hardened, world-wise divorcee; Bets portrays Suzy,
the wide-eyed, blond gymnast who is six months pregnant; and Lowe
plays Cindy Lou the sex-pot.
Under the musical direction of Daniel Thomas, the gals strut
their stuff on Kevin Clowes' hardware store set, under Jean-Ives
Tessier's lighting, while jiving to John Vaughan's choreography.
Then all dolled up in Bobby Pearce's colorful costumes, they belt
out one old-time diddie after another.
Although some songs may be unfamiliar ("All Those Christmas
Cliches," and "Snowfall," a hauntingly beautiful melody from 1941);
there are a slew of songs about Santa. They include "The Man with
the Bag," "Mister Santa," "Little Saint Nick," "Santa Baby"
(Remember Eartha Kitt?), and the ever popular, "Santa Clause is
Coming to Town."
A lot of campy dialogue and double entendre goes on between each
routine that is guaranteed to liven things up, especially when the
cast interacts directly with members of the audience. Some of them
are dragged up on stage, to the delight of everyone in the theater
including the willing participants.
There's a series of Christmas songs from around the world
("Donde Esta Santa Claus?," "Mele Kalikimaka," "O Tannenbaum," "We
Wanna See Santa Do the Mambo"). And of course, Christmas wouldn't
be Christmas without "Jingle Bells"; not to mention "Jingle Bell
Rock," and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."
No one can hear "Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin'? In the
land, snow is glistenin'" without singing along and remembering the
first time it was heard. Toward the end of the show, the "Wonderettes"
get everyone in attendance involved by responding on cue to certain
words in one of the songs. It's a hoot-and-a-holler full of holiday
cheer.
If you're looking for warm, feel-good, family entertainment,
MTW's production of "Winter Wonderettes" is the perfect choice.
Performances continue through the weekend at the Carpenter
Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton Ave., Long Beach; 8 pm Friday;
2 and 8 pm Saturday; and 2 and 7 pm Sunday For tickets: call (562)
856-1999 x4, or go online at www.musical.org