The cast of the Lyric Repertory Company’s ongoing production of ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’ pose with their director. They are (from left) Ashlynn Rober, Marin Robison, director Stephanie White, Ariana Whatcott and Kaia Fitzgerald.

LOGAN – The Lyric Repertory Company’s season opener The Marvelous Wonderettes is a deep dive into a pool of nostalgia.

If you’re my age – that is, older than dirt – this musical review is a reminder of the good old days. For the younger set, it’s a lesson in what music was like before electric guitars.

The fact that many of the the show’s songs are being performed in flawless four-part harmony by young vocalists whose parents probably weren’t even alive when those tunes were written is just icing on the cake.

The late 1990s juke box musical by Roger Bean features classic Top 40 Tunes from the 1950s and 1960s, conveys a positive message about friendships surviving really intense personal conflicts and showcases the talents of four of the repertory company’s youngest performers.

When the late Utah State University professor Vosco Call founded the Lyric Rep in 1967, the idea was to give USU theatre arts students an opportunity to learn from association with Equity professional performers. Under the guidance of local director Stephanie White, however, the student performers here are on their own and they really shine.

The cast here numbers only four, including Kaia Fitzgerald, a student imported from the University of Wisconsin at the suggestion of music director Like Shepard.

It’s easy to see why Shepherd felt safe in making that recommendation. Ms. Fitzgerald sparkles as Cindy Lou, a troublemaker in the singing quartet who never misses a chance to hog the spotlight.

The other three performers are all students from USU – sophomore Ariana Whatcott, junior Marin Robinson and recent graduate Ashlynn Rober.

Ms. Whatcott plays the combative Bill Jean (or BJ, which obviously meant something way different in the 1950s), who is always ready to defend her turf (and her man) against pouching by Cindy Lou.

She plays her comic role to the hilt, both on stage and in frequent forays into the audience. And, as she proves in the show’s second act, Ms. Whatcott can really belt out a touch song.

Ms. Robinson plays Missy, who carries a flame for the mostly unseen vocal couch Mr. Lee into the 1960s, giving her a chance to sing an unforgettable rendition of Laura Nyro’s “Wedding Bell Blues” in the second act.

As Suzy, Ms. Rober seemingly has the perfect romantic relationship with her beau Richie. But does true love ever run smooth? Not in The Marvelous Wonderettes, at least.

Local broadcaster Fred Coad rounds out the cast in the voice-only role of Principal Varney.

Also included in the score of The Marvelous Wonderettes are such audience favorites as “Born Too Late,” Dream Lover,” “Heatwave,” “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me,” “I Only Want to Be With You,” “Mr. Sandman,” “Respect,” “Secret Love,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick on Your Collar” and — of course – “Mr. Lee.”

By the way, role of Mr. Lee is performed by anyone who the girls can shanghai from the audience. Avoid aisle seats if you’re bashful.

The show’s cheesy but cheerful choreography was also directed by Ms. White.

In the background, the Wonderettes are supported by Luke Shepherd on keyboard, Rich Kline on bass guitar and Ben Gittins on drums.

Additional performances of The Marvelous Wonderettes are slated at the Caine Lyric Theatre on Thursday, June 22; Wednesday, June 28; Thursday, July 6; Friday, July 14; Monday, July 17; and Saturday, July 22.

All performances are at 7:30 p.m.

The Caine Lyric Theatre is located at 28 West Center Street in downtown Logan.







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