At the 1958 Springfield High School prom, the glee club can’t take the stage because its leader was caught smoking. So, in steps the dazzling doo-wopping four-piece, The Marvelous Wonderettes. To pay homage to the high school songleader squads of yesteryear (and his mother), Utahn Roger Bean—a SUU alumni and past Utah Shakespeare Festival marketing director—wrote the witty, fun musical. After taking it to Los Angeles and New York City to rave reviews, The Grand hosts the Utah debut.
The Wonderettes woo an audience ready for classic hits from the wholesome ’50s and the electric ’60s—“Lollipop,” “Mr. Sandman,” “Leader of the Pack,” “Respect” and more. But it isn’t all song and dance. The performance follows each distinctly different Wonderette. In Act 1, it’s all about their search for teenage love, glamour and glory—or just a prank. Act 2, set at the 10-year anniversary, proves to be full of drama and laughs, as well.
The Marvelous Wonderettes @ The Grand Theatre, 1575 S. State, 801-957-3322, March 9-26, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday matinee 2 p.m., $8-24. The-Grand.org
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