“The Marvelous Wonderettes” reviewed by Frank Meccia

Recommended *** It is so great to go back to live theatre post pandemic. And this is one show that reminds us how great live musical theatre can be. Overshadowed could not have picked and produce a better show to open this season, two and half hours of great music and fantastic voices to showcase this off-Broadway show. One word of warning there is some audience participation, tonight I got to play Mr. Lee. The art teacher that Betty Jean has a crush on. The four main characters played by Amy Keipert (Missy) Grace Ryan (Betty Jean) Jessica Means (Cindy Lou) and Brooke Kassal (Suzy) have voices that bring down the ceiling. They were pitch perfect and mimic the original singers so well. In act one we are at Springfield High 1958 Prom, and we lean the highs and lows of these four Wonderettes, there dreams and loves, sung by some of the best prom songs of the 50’, such as Dream Lover by Bobby Darin and Goodnight, Sweetheart by Calvin Carter and ten other great songs of the 50’s. In the second act 10 years later, we learn about how their dreams and friendship suffered. But we learn about how some dreams do come true. With some of the great songs on the 60’s. Leader of the Pack, Lipstick on your collar, Rescue me and 12 other great songs.

Everything about this production is top notch, and with great Costume Design by Amy Keller and Scenic design by Yohannan Lee everything seems true to form for the period of time. The music Director Scott Mayer kept this in perfect tune, the sound and voices were perfect.

Overshadowed Productions have been known for producing family friendly theatre. And being in Medinah is about 30 min from Chicago and the northern suburbs. I do recommend the Itasca Country club for a pre-dinner before the show, it is only 2 miles away, and sitting off the 9th hole is a great setting to eat by.

The Marvelous Wonderettes is playing till July 31st

with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $14-$20 with even lower prices for seniors and children/students

Tickets can be purchased at www.OVERSHADOWED.ORG OR 630.634.2100.      BTW every seat is perfect in this theatre.
I do have a save the date, On August 14 at 6pm Overshadowed will have their ‘Gala on the Grounds” if you enjoy going to Ravinia you will enjoy this special evening on the lawn with great music. And the best part is, it is Free. So, pack some food and refreshments and enjoy a great night of music.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “The Marvelous Wonderettes”

Overshadowed is located at 900 Foster Ave Medinah Ill.