JUST TWO PERFORMANCES REMAINING
“A truly wonderful, wholesome, and funny musical show for the whole family that is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit!!”
That’s how one audience member describes WINTER WONDERETTES now playing at the Sherman Playhouse through Dec 21.
And another extolls you to “Run, don’t walk to be totally entertained by this delightful show.“
Bradford Blake and Charles Smith are renowned for staging the best in our region’s musical theatre, and they don’t disappoint with this snappy 60’s do-wop, be-bop, holiday extravaganza.
It’s the 1968 Harper’s Hardware Holiday Happening and the Marvelous Wonderettes have been asked to be the main event! They entertain the workers with wonderful versions of holiday classics from the 50’s and 60’s and their trademark wit. But what happens when Santa fails to show? The ladies get creative and deliver a Christmas bonus that you won’t forget!
Renee Browne, Jazzy Cores, Jacquelyn Schultz and Daisy Stott as Missy, Cindy-Lou, Betty-Jean and Suzy, are perfectly cast as the delightfully harmonic and hilarious Marvelous Wonderettes, or as they’re known at this time of year, THE WINTER WONDERETTES!
Jacquelyn Schultz’s Betty Jean is in charge – but only just! Her reluctant rendition of “O, Tannenbaum” is delivered with precise, if hilarious, Germanic diction and contrasts perfectly with her tender Act I closing solo. Jacquelyn’s performance has audiences in stitches throughout, she’s a comedic gem who’s also able to touch our hearts. Renee Browne’s Missy tries to keep things on an even keel. She’s prim, proper and super organized, so it’s great fun when her naughty side makes an appearance – especially when serenading her new hubby ‘Bill’. Renee’s sweet vocals are a delight. Her version of “Mele Kalikimaka” is full of Hawaiian charm, and she shows she can rock out with the best as she opens Act II with the high energy “Run, Run Rudolf.” Cindy Lou, played by Jazzy Cores, turns up the Caribbean heat with the sexy “I wanna see Santa do the Mambo” and gets to show off her powerhouse belt in “Santa Claus is comin’ to town.” As well as playing the vixen of the group, Jazzy gets to show us her tender side too in her moving solo, “All Those Christmas Cliches“. And then there’s Suzy – adorably played by Daisy Stott as a young lady who’s eggnog glass is definitely always half-full! Her enthusiasm for everything Christmas is infectious and Daisy’s performance as “Suzy Snowflake” is great fun. But she’s not just a ditzy blonde – this young lady’s voice is as enchanting as she is funny!
As individual performers they’re fantastic, but it’s together as the Wonderettes where they excel. Their chemistry is perfect – you really feel like you’re in the company of old friends, sharing in all the humor, conflict, understanding, snarkiness, and love. From the peppy opener, “Mister Santa” and classics like “Rockin’ around the Christmas tree” to the gentle and melodic “Snowfall” their perfect harmonies are the icing on the Christmas cake – and just you wait for the opening to “Walking in a Winter Wonderland“.
And these ladies can really move too! Brad Blake’s choreography is on point and full of energy. The whole production is lively, stylish and colorful, with a clever set designed by Mr. Blake and gorgeous lighting (as always at the Playhouse) by Technical Director Al Chiappetta. Charles Smith leads his excellent musicians with precision and flair.
In the words of the Sherman Playhouse’s patrons “The casting is perfection and I just know you’ll leave feeling better than when you walked in.”
And that’s not all they had to say: “Every single performance is heartfelt and strong”, “Kudos to Brad Blake”, “Exactly what my heart needs right now”, and “Family-friendly and charming”.
And maybe the greatest praise of all – “It’s comedy gold…don’t miss it!!“
You should rush to get your tickets to this festive treat at Connecticut’s longest running Community Theater.
WINTER WONDERETTES is suitable for all ages and runs for its final two performances at the Sherman Playhouse on Friday 12/20 & Saturday 12/21 @8.00pm.
Doors open 30 mins before curtain.
Tickets available at the door or at Winter-Wonderettes-Tickets
Adults (13+) and Seniors – $30
Youth (under 13) and Students with ID – $15
Written & Created By Roger Bean
Vocal Arrangements by Roger Bean & Brian Baker
Musical Arrangements by Brian Baker
Directed and Choreographed by Bradford Blake
Music Directed by Charles Smith
Winter Wonderettes is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC. (www.broadwaylicensing.com)
The Sherman Playhouse is located at 5 Route 39 N, Sherman, CT 06784, between the Firehouse and the Town Hall.
NOTE: If using navigation to find us please either enter the address or ‘Sherman Players’. We’ve been made aware that navigation apps may have the wrong location for the Playhouse and could take you to the Sherman Old Store instead! (it’s lovely BTW, you should check it out! If you do end up there, just look up the hill and you’ll spot the Playhouse – big white chapel like building, says ‘Sherman Playhouse’ on it. You can’t miss it.)
The Sherman Players is a not for profit 501(c)3 theatre company relying on generous supporters to continue to bring quality entertainment to the local community. For more information go to shermanplayers.org. Great Theatre Is Closer Than You Think.
