Put on your poodle skirt and lace up your saddle shoes as Tibbits Opera House presents “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” a non-stop retro musical ride, starting June 5! This production is generously sponsored by Coldwater Board of Public Utilities.
This toe-tapping jukebox musical celebrates the biggest popular songs of the 1950s and ‘60s as four friends learn that no matter what life throws their way, they can conquer it together, through love, laughter, and of course, music. The Marvelous Wonderettes—Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy—entertained their classmates at their Senior Prom in 1958 with the biggest hits of the day. But over the course of the evening, they also competed with one another to be crowned Prom Queen—a night none of them will ever forget. Ten years later, the girls reunite for their class reunion where they’ll be performing again. But has all the change in the past ten years changed them? “The Marvelous Wonderettes” is a nostalgic look back at the music of the ‘50s and ‘60s, with songs like “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Mr. Sandman” and many more!
“I’m thrilled to return to the historic Tibbits Opera House and make my directorial debut with such a fun and ‘marvelous’ show,” said director and choreographer Marryn Barney. “’The Marvelous Wonderettes’ is the perfect way to kick off the season, with groovy music, unforgettable harmonies and the kind of feel-good fun that brings people together. I hope audiences are swept up in the nostalgia of the music, share lots of laughs and fall in love with these wonderfully talented performers just as much as I have!”
“The Marvelous Wonderettes” is directed and choreographed by Marryn Barney with musical direction by Josh Vreeland. The cast consists of Maya Narayan as Cindy Lou, Carina Milano as Missy, Maggie Titus as Betty Jean and Belle Fockler as Suzy. The design staff features scenic designer and painter Andrea Imsland, costume designer Gianna Bratke, lighting designer Tyler Pavlik, sound designer Thess Holloway, props artisan Lindsey Hall, assistant props artisan and scenic painter Sara Czerniawski, carpenters Ryan Hodges and Oliver Fisher-Rohde, costume shop supervisor Hayden Elowsky and master electrician Jeff Harvey. Production staff include stage manager Sam Ryan, assistant stage managers Abby Papenfus and Marlie Dietz and technical director Sebastian James.
“The Marvelous Wonderettes” will run June 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30pm and June 10 and 11 at 2pm. Tickets and information are available at Tibbits.org or by calling 517.278.6029. All performances are held at the historic Tibbits Opera House at 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater. Doors to the lobby, Ghost Light Bar and art gallery will open one hour prior to showtime and seating will begin thirty minutes prior to showtime. Runtime is approximately one hour 45 minutes plus intermission. Rated PG for mild suggestive themes, light innuendo and themes related to romantic drama, such as heartbreaks and teenage crushes.
For 135 years, the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) has been more than a utility provider—they’ve been a constant presence in the life of the community. Working to strengthen the fabric of the City, CBPU proudly supports local organizations and initiatives, including serving as a sponsor of Tibbits Summer Theatre since 2015.
