Take a trip down memory lane with Titusville Playhouse's 'Marvelous Wonderettes'

Titusville Playhouse is ready to step into a time machine and groove to the sweet melodies of the 1950s and '60s with "The Marvelous Wonderettes." The toe-tapping trip down memory lane set against the backdrop of a 1958 high school prom opens Friday, Jan. 26 for a run through Feb. 4.

This jukebox musical, written and created by Roger Bean, is a heady mix of nostalgia, comedy and chart-topping hits from the golden oldies. The setting is small town Springfield High School in 1958, and the prom is the talk of the town. The Wonderettes, a quartet of young women with dreams as big as their crinoline skirts, take center stage.

"'The Marvelous Wonderettes' is a love letter to the music of the '50s and '60s, but wrapped inside a plot," said director Niko Stamos. "It’s the story of four friends as they perform at their senior prom and then return for their 10 year reunion."

"It explores the dynamic of friendships and how things may change between people but in the end the love they have for each other wins out."

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" isn't just about the music. It's a tale of friendship, rivalry and the bittersweet journey from adolescence to adulthood.

"I love that this show is a love letter to female empowerment," Stamos said. "We have explored how we take the stereotyped characters and really made them dimensional people."

The musical score is a character in itself. With hits like "Lollipop," "Dream Lover," and "Stupid Cupid," the Wonderettes' harmonies transport the audience to a time when doo-wop ruled the airwaves.

But it's not just a show for those who remember these songs on the radio. It's for anyone who appreciates good music, a good laugh and a good time.

"Audiences are going to love the music," Stamos said. "Even if you didn’t grow up listening to the music of the '50s and '60s, you will enjoy the catchiness of the music, the quirk of each character and really be drawn into the plot of the show."

The four leading ladies promise to bring a dynamic chemistry to the stage. The characters—"Betty Jean" (Myanell Enriquez), "Cindy Lou" (Sarah McKinney), "Missy" (Emilee Mari Fruscella) and "Suzy" (Samantha Grace Sostak)—are a harmonizing force to be reckoned with.

"The ladies have worked so hard in perfecting their stellar four part harmony throughout the show," Stamos said. "I have been so impressed with how hard they have worked, and how precise they are with their music and their choreography."

"I can not say enough amazing things about this cast," he said. "Watching the four of them onstage is like watching an actual friend group. The bond they share is so engaging and believable there are moments you will forget you are watching a show and just watching four people interact about the problems of life."

Titusville Playhouse is contributing its own magic to the production, the first to debut in the newly rebuilt Shuler Stage venue, an open-air pavilion with amphitheater-like seating."We are excited to finally be opening our brand new Shuler Stage with this show," Stamos said. "It has been a process getting to this point since we lost are old venue in November 2021 during Hurricane Nicole, but we are finally here!"

"I think audiences will love what we have done with the space and will be excited for the continued growth of the theatre."

If you go

'The Marvelous Wonderettes'

Where: Titusville Playhouse's Shuler Stage, 316 S. Palm Ave., Titusville

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 4

Tickets: $35

Info: 321-268-1125

Website: titusvilleplayhouse.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'The Marvelous Wonderettes' take center stage at Titusville Playhouse