BWW Reviews: THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES Charms at the CLO Cabaret Through 10/2

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, a retro jukebox musical with a bubblegum-sweet four-female cast, charmed off-Broadway audiences for over a year from 2008 to 2010. Since April, it has played at the Pittsburgh CLO's own Cabaret at Theater Square, starring Courtney Bassett, Marlana Dunn, Tara Geisler, and Stephanie Maloney.

"Welcome to your 1958 super senior prom!" blares the show's opening announcement. From the moment the Cabaret's lights dim, the audience is transported back in time to Springfield High School on prom night. From here, we are introduced to the evening's selected entertainment: The Marvelous Wonderettes, an effervescent girl group so sweet they could make your teeth rot.

Throughout the course of the first act, the Wonderettes sing more than thirty familiar hits that are sure-bet audience pleasers – especially for those who remember dancing to such ditties on their own prom nights – such as "Stupid Cupid," "It's My Party," and "Lollipop," only to name a few. The show's second act then finds the women reunited at the ten-year reunion, at which point they naturally get the chance to belt out a handful of well-admired songs from the 60s, including favorites like Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man" and the The Shangri-Las' "Leader of the Pack."

Alexandra Strycula is currently pursuing a degree in Theatre and American Studies at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. While at Barnard, Alexandra has produced and assistant directed several works of student theatre. Her keen interest in arts administration has also led her to positions with Disney-ABC Television Group, Pittsburgh CLO, The New Group, The New York Musical Theatre Festival, and Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre. Born and raised in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Alexandra is thrilled to put her theatrical passion to use as a contributing editor for her hometown.

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