Overview
Synopsis
Take a step back in time with the charming, smash Off-Broadway hit, The Marvelous Wonderettes! Join Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy at the Springfield High School class of 1958 Super Senior Prom, as these four best friends navigate relationships, growing up, and following their dreams. In Act II, long after prom night has ended, the Wonderettes reunite a decade later for a special performance at Springfield High’s 10-year reunion. A lot has changed for the Wonderettes over 10 years, and now they must navigate their friendship as grown up women. Bonded forever over four-part harmony, the Wonderettes will win you over with their charm, friendship, and love for one another. Featuring all of your favourite hits of the 50’s and 60’s, The Marvelous Wonderettes is a nostalgia packed show that is sure to have audiences singing along from their seats.
Show Information
- Book
- Roger Bean
- Conceived By
- Roger Bean
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1999
- Genres
- Comedy, Jukebox/Revue
- Settings
- Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- Springfield High School gymnasium, 1958 and 1968
- Cast Size
- small
- Orchestra Size
- Rock Combo
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Licensor
- Steele Spring Stage Right
- Ideal For
- All-Female Cast, College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Small Cast, Includes Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult Characters
Context
After Roger Bean’s first music (Don’t Touch That Dial!) closed in 1998 at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Bean was commissioned to write a new musical for their black box space. He decided to create a jukebox musical using songs from the 50’s and 60’s to tell the story of four high school best friends. Since the black box theatre had a limited backstage area, Bean created a show in which the cast would be onstage for almost the entire show. Premiering in 1999 as a one-act show, *The
to read the context for The Marvelous Wonderettes and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
The voice of Principal Varney introduces the entertainment for the 1958 Springfield High School Prom. Four best friends, Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, appear on stage, ready to bring the house down. Each girl has a signature colour: Missy in tangerine, Suzy in blue, Cindy Lou in pink, and Betty Jean in green. Together, they make the Marvelous Wonderettes! (“Mr. Sandman”). During their first song, we learn that Suzy is dating the lightboard operator, Ritchie Stevens, who flashes the
to read the plot for The Marvelous Wonderettes and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
Songs
ACT ONE
- Mr. Sandman - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Lollipop/Sugartime (Sugar and Spice Medley) - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Allegheny Moon - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- All I Have to Do Is Dream/Dream Lover - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Stupid Cupid - Suzy
- Lipstick on Your Collar - Betty Jean
- Lucky Lips - Cindy Lou
- Secret Love - Missy
- Mr. Lee/Born Too Late/Teacher’s Pet (Man of My Dreams Medley) - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Sincerely/Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
ACT TWO
- Welcome Back/Heatwave - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Mr. Sandman (Reprise) - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- It’s in His Kiss - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Wedding Bell Blues - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- You Don’t Own Me - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- With This RIng - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- I Only Want to Be With You - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- That’s When the Tears Start - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- It’s My Party - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Son of a Preacher Man -Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Leader of the Pack - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Maybe - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Maybe I Know - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Needle in a Haystack - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Rescue Me - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- RESPECT - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
- Thank You and Goodnight/Sincerely - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, Suzy
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Emma Houlahan
Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.