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This is the first show in the WONDERETTES Series!
Three versions to choose from: The Original Off-Broadway Hit, the One-Act Version, and the Glee Club Edition!
This smash Off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy: four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” In Act II, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their ten-year reunion. We learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Featuring over 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits, The Marvelous Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this must-take musical trip down memory lane!
A One-Act Version (Wonderettes '58) of this show is also available! Make it home by curfew in this delightful prom-only version of the smash Off-Broadway hit. 55 minutes in length.
Click here for more info.
SYNOPSIS
Synopsis
Act I
At the 1958 Springfield High School prom, the lights come up on the evening’s special entertainment: The Marvelous Wonderettes (“Mr. Sandman”). These four best friends (Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy) launch into the Sugar & Spice Medley: "Lollipop/Sugartime," and we learn that the Wonderettes are also the trophy-winning varsity song leaders for Springfield High— "Go Chipmunks!" While Betty Jean excitedly runs out front to put their new trophy in the school’s display case, her best friend, Cindy Lou, steals her solo (“Allegheny Moon”), and cracks in their friendship begin to appear. After Missy and Suzy break up the squabble, we hear the real reason the girls are performing tonight: they are the replacement act for tonight’s originally scheduled group, the Crooning Crabcakes. Billy Ray Patton, the lead Crab, got suspended from school for smoking behind the girls’ locker room. They reveal the theme of tonight’s super senior prom (Marvelous Dreams Medley: “All I Have to Do Is Dream”/”Dream Lover”), and with the help of Missy’s special dreamcatcher, each girl gets to dedicate a song to her very own "dream lover." Suzy sings to her boyfriend, Richie, who is also running the lights (“Stupid Cupid”). Betty Jean sings to her boyfriend Johnny (“Lipstick on Your Collar”), discovering that Johnny and Cindy Lou have been making out behind her back, and Cindy Lou sings of her special talents in "Lucky Lips." After Suzy squelches another fight between Cindy Lou and Betty Jean— "L-O-V-E, that spells love…!"— Missy reveals her own "Secret Love," the girls’ music teacher (Man of My Dreams Medley: “Mr. Lee”/”Born Too Late”/”Teacher’s Pet”). The talent competition is next, followed by the vote for the 1958 Queen of Your Dreams— "That’s the Prom Queen!" The Wonderettes sing farewell (Goodnight & Goodbye Medley: “Sincerely”/”Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight”), followed by the crowning of the 1958 Queen of Your Dreams and her spotlight song (“Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me”).
Act II
A decade later, at the Springfield High School Class of ‘58 ten-year reunion, the Marvelous Wonderettes take the stage with "Heatwave." During the reunion, we learn about each girl and the different roads they’ve traveled since graduation. Missy has been dating the same man for the past five years— "Every Monday night, more pizza…"— and needs to know exactly where it’s headed (“It’s in His Kiss, Wedding Bell Blues”). The girls try to help Missy stay strong and independent (“You Don’t Own Me”), but she soon melts under the spell of a surprise onstage proposal (“With This Ring”). Betty Jean steps up and tells us about her love for Johnny (“I Only Want to Be With You”) and how their recent marriage has gone awry (“That’s When the Tears Start”). She rebuffs Cindy Lou’s attempt to restore their friendship with "It’s My Party." When Cindy Lou takes the spotlight, we learn she fled to Hollywood right after high school, only to return to Springfield years later to meet up with the lead singer of the Crooning Crabcakes (“Son of a Preacher Man”). Billy Ray indeed changed her life in many ways (“Leader of the Pack,” “Maybe”), and Cindy Lou’s journey brings about a heartfelt reconciliation with Betty Jean. A very-pregnant Suzy must now tell her story, fraught with a philandering husband— Richie, once again running the lights— and raging hormones (“Maybe I Know”). The girls buoy her up (“Needle in a Haystack”), and with their unwavering support, Suzy finds much-needed strength and resolve with "Rescue Me" and "Respect." With the reunion drawing to a close, the Marvelous Wonderettes thank everyone for an amazing evening of wonderful memories (“Thank You and Goodnight”/”Sincerely”).
QUOTE
Effervescent and irresistible! An utter charm bomb!
–The New York Times
More Info
Characters:
Cindy Lou (18, 28) knows she is the prettiest girl at Springfield High. She knows she will be named Prom Queen and acts out against her best friend Betty Jean when things don’t go her way. She makes the biggest change between Acts I & II, having learned the lessons of true love and loss. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano Belt: E3–F5. Sings melody line on most songs, so the other girls hang their vocals on this voice. Among the songs she sings lead are: "Allegheny Moon," "Son of a Preacher Man," and "Maybe."
Missy (18, 28) is the over-achiever of the group. Very controlled, very concerned that everything at the prom turns out wonderful and perfect. Head of the Prom Decorations Committee, and absolutely smitten with her music teacher. Her best friend is Suzy. Vocal Range: Soprano: G3–A5. Wide range, floating high vocals and belting throughout the show. Among the songs she sings lead are: "Secret Love," "You Don’t Own Me," and "Wedding Bell Blues."
Betty Jean (18, 28) is the class clown and tomboy, always vying for attention with Cindy Lou, her best friend. It’s also highly probable that Betty Jean wants to be with Cindy Lou herself, but just doesn’t even know what those feelings really are. Cindy Lou steals Betty Jean’s boyfriend away, which causes a lot of the friction at the prom. She holds this grudge against Cindy Lou until they make up at the ten-year reunion. Vocal Range: Alto with strong low range: D3–E5. Among the songs she sings lead are: "Lipstick on Your Collar," "I Only Want To Be With You," and "That’s When The Tears Start."
Suzy (18, 28) is the gum-chewing, happy-go-lucky, go-along girl. Super-best friends with Missy, Suzy is always a little giddy and a little silly, and finds great pleasure in everything she does. In love with the lighting operator, completely surprised when named Prom Queen. Frustrated, sad, hormonal, and pregnant in Act II. This role requires an excellent part singer and expert comedienne. WARNING: Do not hire a ditzy person to play the "ditzy blonde." Vocal Range: Mezzo-Alto with both sweet and soulful voice: G3–E5. Among the songs she sings lead are: "Stupid Cupid," "Hold Me, Thrill Me," and "Rescue Me."
Setting: Springfield High School gymnasium, 1958 and 1968.
- Mr. Sandman
- Sugar & Spice Medley
- Chipmunk Cheer
- Allegheny Moon
- All I Have to Do Is Dream
- Stupid Cupid
- Lipstick On Your Collar
- Lucky Lips
- Secret Love
- Man Of My Dreams Medley
- Sugar & Spice Reprise
- Goodnight and Goodbye Medley
- Hold Me, Thrill Me
- Heatwave
- Mr. Sandman Reprise
- It's In His Kiss
- Wedding Bell Blues
- You Don't Own Me
- With This Ring
- I Only Want to Be With You
- That's When The Tears Start
- It's My Party
- Son Of A Preacher Man
- Leader Of The Pack
- Maybe
- Maybe I Know
- Needle In A Haystack
- Rescue Me
- Respect
- Thank You & Goodnight
Performance Royalties are based on theater particulars.
Billing responsibilities, pertinent copyright information, and playwrights' biographies are available in the show rider that comes with your license agreement.
“You won’t find a more delightful girl group! These irrepressible, bubbly Wonderettes are singing their hearts out in this charming, fast-paced musical. Beautiful singing, well-honed timing, often poignant, and highly entertaining.” –The Associated Press
“One irresistible musical! An utter charm bomb!” –The New York Times
“Don’t buy a ticket—buy two! It’s a show you’ll want to see twice.” –Back Stage
“Iconic ‘50s pop hits shine in this bubbly musical.” –New York Magazine
“An expertly wrought showcase of ‘50s and ‘60s pop music—it’s tremendously fun.” –Variety
“A laugh-a-minute song fest!” –Back Stage
“Smooth as a malted milk shake. Bask in girl-group renditions of ‘The Shoop Song’ and ‘Leader of the Pack.’ Charming!” –Show Business Weekly
“It doesn’t get better than this!” –Dr. Joi Browne, WOR Radio
“A good time! Audiences leave beaming and humming. An infectiously charming homage to the music of the 1950s and 1960s.” –theatermania.com
“A fun, fun, fun show! Very highly recommended. The tune-packed show is a stroll down memory lane with plenty of laughs and great singing.” –Edge NY
“The Marvelous Wonderettes is deliciously enjoyable.” –The Los Angeles Times
“Wonder women: a simply marvelous time-travel!” –The Portland Phoenix
“A generous evening of entertainment. Move over, Forever Plaid!” –Back Stage West
“Wildly entertaining froth!” –The Los Angeles Times
“Roger Bean is forging a successful career by creating light-hearted musicals featuring some of the greatest hits (as well as an occasional obscure flipside) from the era of ducktails, coonskin caps, and poodle skirts. In this specialized field, Bean has certainly become a contender for the title of ‘Leader of the Pack.’” –Wisconsin State Journal
Materials: Digital Materials are provided via email as downloadable PDF files for you to print in-house. All materials are yours to keep! No deposits, no returns.
Required Production Materials for The Marvelous Wonderettes includes:
- Cast Scripts
- Vocal Books
- 4 Piano Vocal Scores
- 2 Piano Conductor Score
- 2 Directors Scripts
- 1 Stage Manager Script
Orchestrations:
- Piano/Conductor Score
- Keyboard 2
- Guitar
- Drums
- Reed (Flute, Baritone Sax, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax)
Official Logo Pack Now Included!
To help you promote your show, Stage Rights now includes a logo pack with your license. The logo pack includes high-resolution versions (both color and black and white) of our show logo. The logo is the portion of the artwork with the title of the show. The surrounding artwork is also available for an additional fee.
Production Resources:
- Official Logo Pack
- Customizable Poster & Layered Artwork
- Promotion Kit & Social Media Guide
- Performance Tracks
- Rehearsal Tracks
- Choreography & Staging Manual (Digital)
- Sound Effects Package
- TurnKey Transpositions (Digital)
- Full Conductor's Score
- Digital Orchestration Parts
- Choreography Tutorial Video - A step-by-step choreography tutorial – with choreographer, Bets Malone, showing each step and how it fits with the music.
- Sound FX Tracks - A collection of sound effects for your production. Includes cue sheet.
- Stage Manager’s Script – Printed on standard 8.5” x 11” 3-hole-punched paper, with the same page numbers and text as the Production Scripts, but with more space on the page for notes and cues.
Official Show Poster and Layered Artwork are available for this title. We’ve collaborated with our partners at Subplot Studio to bring you powerful and easy-to-use online poster design and downloadable artwork for this Stage Rights title. Customize by adding your theater name and logo, show dates, credits, and box office info, and use elements in the layered artwork to create your own print and online marketing pieces. You can even order printed posters! Learn more at www.subplotstudio.com/store/posters/collection/stage-rights/
GALLERY
Gallery
Other Versions
Make it home by curfew in this delightful prom-only version of the smash Off-Broadway hit.
It's prom night, followed by graduation, and our four leads are joined onstage by the Springfield High Chipmunk Glee Club. Add as many cast members as needed!
Available Products
