The Marvelous Wonderettes

January 4th, 2007
El Portal Theater, NoHo
Musical, went with Troy

Starring Kristen Chandler, Kim Huber, Julie Dixon Jackson and Bets Malone.
Imagine 4 girls at their prom in 1958. Now imagine them using songs of the 1950's to tell the story of their high school life and loves. For act two, flash forward to their 10 year High School Reunion, where they switch to songs of the 60's. Very entertaining show.

These four women are strong singers. We love Bets Malone, having enjoyed her performance in Reprise' "On the Town" (for which she won an LA Drama Critics Circle Award), and I have to be honest and say she is the reason we chose to go. And we weren't disappointed. But the other three women held their own, were funny and expressive, all with their own solid Stage-credits to support their lovely voices. The harmony was very nice. Their voices meshed fluidly with lots of texture. Duets, trio's and quartets, and plenty of do-waps and shebops through-out. Charming and funny, but the book needs some strengthening. It was tongue-in-cheek much of the time, which let the audience relax. Well, all but one member of the audience, but I won't spoil that.

The Forum at El Portal only seats about 90 people, so it was a very intimate and relaxed environment. The success of the show has led to yet another extension of the run into February. A lot of fun even for those of us who don't remember some of the songs.

Extra half star for their voices.