"The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On" - Majestic Theater (West Springfield, MA.) - REVIEW
(Cover Photo: CAST of “'THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: DREAM ON" from left: Kaytlyn Vandeloecht, Kait Rankins, Tina Sparkle and Mollie Posnik. Photo Credit Jo Rankins)
A return of the "Marvelous Wonderettes" coincides with the much needed return to musicals to the Majestic Theater
By Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMAG Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
"The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On" by Roger Bean. Presented by the Majestic Theater, 131 Elm St, West Springfield, MA 01089 Performances: September 9 – October 17, 2021 (Complete Schedule Inside) . Ticket prices range from $31 to $37. For tickets and more information: https://www.majestictheater.com/boxoffice.html#tickets or contact the box office at (413) 747-7797. You may also visit the box office when it is open (Monday through Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am through 1:00pm).
Written by Roger Bean.
Directed by Danny Eaton.
Cast: Kaytlyn Vandeloecht, Kait Rankins, Mollie Posnick, Tina Sparkle.
When one obtains a ticket to a jukebox musical like “"The Marvelous Wonderettes: DREAM ON" By Roger Bean (now playing at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield) one accepts that they are going to see a show that has oft times been included as part of an unflattering category of “Cruise Ship Shows”.
The term is unflattering as it usually implies a show of lesser quality to that of a Broadway caliber musical. “Beautiful the Carole King Musical” is also a jukebox musical, but the level of writing is at a superior level to most shows in the “Cruise Ship Shows” class.
True, if one were to compare “Beautiful” to any of the “Wonderettes” series of shows, of which there are four (the original “Marvelous Wonderettes”, the first sequel, “Winter Wonderettes”, “Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns” and “Dream On”) one would see the difference.
The classification is, actually, a bit insulting to both this particular series of shows and to cruise ships, which these days DO sometimes offer full Broadway level shows.
But the reason for the classification is to keep one’s expectations low – this is a type of show that may occasionally take place in the background of an environment such as that in a cruise ship lounge or casino lounge where people not only can view the entertainment but eat, drink, gamble, etc.
But having seen all but one of Bean’s “Wonderette” shows, it is clear that they are a cut above and deserving of a bit more respect, if only because the audience becomes involved in the lives of the characters singing their hearts out on some truly iconic and familiar songs.
There was no song listing provided in the program for “Dream On” but there really wasn’t one needed. Many of the songs came as no surprise: From the opening 60s hits “Gimme Some Lovin’” and Act One closer “Some Day We’ll Be Together” - To the Act Two seventies classics “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy and, yes, even THAT Gloria Gaynor empowerment hit that still makes many eyes roll (not just men) just hearing the opening lyrics “At first I was afraid…”.
Yes, these are the kind of songs you will hear as part of the musical and you WILL enjoy many of them as presented thanks to the fine foursome of ladies who deliver exemplary performances.
(Cast of “'THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: DREAM ON" (clockwise from bottom): Tina Sparkle, Kaytlyn Vandeloecht, Mollie Posnik and Kait Rankins .Photo Credit Jo Rankins)
The quartet of characters in Bean's show play into many common musical stereotypes: The acerbic and strong willed “Betty Jean”, aka “BJ”, is aptly played by the witty Tina Sparkle; aspiring chanteuse “Cindy Lou”, aka “Cynthia” is performed by the stunning Kaytlyn Vandeloecht; the overly anxious overachieving “Missy” is portrayed by robust vocalist Kait Rankins; and the quirky and sometimes ditzy “Suzy” is brought to a whole new level thanks, in no small part, to the incredible vocal style of Mollie Posnik. Four very different personalities united by the joy they feel presenting the music they bring to audiences.
The four actresses have a solid feel for each character and united bring a unique charm to the entire piece.
As in the other entries in this series of shows, if one pays closer attention (in between the meals, the drinks, the gambling, etc.) one might actually begin to care about the lives of these characters which certainly increases the appreciation for Bean’s story structure.
Under Danny Eaton’s direction, the show succeeds with much appeal and, after a year and a half of not being able to attend a live musical event, a great deal of appreciation.
Also, thankfully, any meals and drinks (no gambling here, folks – sorry) are kept to the items sold at intermission and outside the theater space.
As in the original “Wonderettes” musical, in both Act One and Act Two, the Wonderettes reunite, returning to their old Rockville High School. High praise to Greg Trochlil and the entire set design team for the fine attention to detail in creating the faux high school gymnasium as it really enhances the overall ambience of the production.
In the first act the quartet has regrouped as part of a retirement party for their favorite homeroom teacher and then, in Act Two, they return 10 years later to celebrate their ‘Class of ’58 Twenty Year Reunion’.
Each of the members of the incredible band assembled by Music Director Mitch Chakour played exemplary under his capable guidance.
As mentioned, many of the songs will seem all too familiar to many who will see this show, but each performer is given their moment to shine and shine they do. In particular, the Melissa Manchester/Carole Bayer-Sager penned classic “Come In From the Rain” was deserving of its own standing ovation given the treatment by the band and vocal powerhouse Posnik who simply knocked it out of the park.
Between the combination head mics and wireless handheld mics there were some occasional sound glitches making some of the vocals difficult to hear but otherwise the technical aspects of the show were outstanding in the Majestic’s intimate atmosphere.
The ultimate goal, be it on a cruise ship, casino, or at a singular intimate staging of a jukebox musical, is to have fun. The “Wonderettes” are 100% pure fun shows and if you see “Dream On”, don’t expect to hear the Aerosmith classic, but DO expect to have that level of fun.
The show is approximately two hours 15 minutes with one intermission.
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
COVID-19 PROTOCOL
On September 1, the Majestic Theater staff met with the West Springfield Health Department, and the following COVID-related guidelines are now in place at the Majestic:
- Face masks are mandatory while attending performances at the Majestic Theater or visiting the box office to buy tickets to provide further health and safety protection to our patrons
- Patrons must provide proof of vaccination upon entering the Majestic Theater by either showing their vaccination card or an image of the card on their cell phone
- Face masks may be removed when eating or drinking in the Majestic Café
- No food or beverages may be brought into the theater
- If any patron is unwilling or uncomfortable in adhering to this policy, the Majestic Theater will refund the cost of their tickets. Refunds cannot be transacted at the time of the performance
This standard, Majestic officials noted, is the same as the one put into place by all theaters in Boston, Hartford and Broadway. In addition, all Majestic staff, performers and production crew have been fully vaccinated.
REMAINING PERFORMANCE DATES FOR THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: DREAM ON
Saturday, September 11 – 8pm
Sunday, September 12 – 2pm
Wednesday, September 15 – 7pm
Thursday, September 16 – 7:30pm
Friday, September 17 – 8pm
Saturday, September 18 – 8pm
Sunday, September 19 – 2pm
Wednesday, September 22 – 7pm
Thursday, September 23 – 7:30pm
Friday, September 24 – 8pm
Saturday, September 25 – 8pm
Sunday, September 26 – 2pm & 7pm
Wednesday, September 29 – 7pm
Thursday, September 30 – 7:30pm
Friday, October 1 – 8pm
Saturday, October 2 – 8pm
Sunday, October 3 – 2pm & 7pm
Wednesday, October 6 – 7pm
Thursday, October 7 – 7:30pm
Friday, October 8 – 8pm
Saturday, October 9 – 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, October 10 – 2pm
Wednesday, October 13 – 7pm
Thursday, October 14 – 7:30pm
Friday, October 15 – 8pm
Saturday, October 16 – 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, October 17 – 2pm
