The Marvelous Wonderettes brings four powerhouse voices, prom night drama, and nonstop nostalgia to Totem Pole Playhouse this summer, launching its 75th Anniversary Season with toe-tapping joy.
Running for 12 performances only from May 30 through June 8, this charming jukebox musical will have you singing along with hits like “Lollipop,” “Stupid Cupid,” “It’s My Party,” and “Son of a Preacher Man.”
Set in 1958 at the Springfield High School prom, the show follows four best friends—Suzy, Missy, Betty Jean, and Cindy Lou—as they navigate crushes, friendship, and life’s unexpected turns. Ten years later, they reunite for their high school reunion, bringing heart, humor, and harmonies that never go out of style. With over 30 classic hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s, this musical is a jukebox love letter to simpler times.
The cast features Katie Sexton as Suzy (Broadway: The Play That Goes Wrong), Jessica Wagner as Missy (National Tour: The Phantom of the Opera), Carolyn Anne Miller as Cindy Lou (Frozen: Disney Cruise Lines), and Beth DeMichele as Betty Jean (National Tour: Pete the Cat) and local sensation Carly Paige Lafferty as the “Wonderstudy.” The production is directed by Ryan B. Gibbs, Totem Pole’s Producing Artistic Director, whose credits include Wicked, Rent, and productions for Disney Theatricals and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Totem Pole’s standout creative team includes Jenn Reed, Choreographer (Totem Pole’s Footloose, Grease), Jane Best, Music Director (Broadway: Suffs; Cruiseship: Six: The Musical), Lisa Liebetrau, Costume Designer(Dickinson College, Gettysburg College, founder of Iris Design), and James Fouchard, Scenic Designer (National Tours: Can-Can, Phantom; over 40 years with Totem Pole).
“Four girls. One stage. A whole lot of heart—The Marvelous Wonderettes is everything we love about live theatre,” said Gibbs. “Opening our 75th season with this production is a celebration of community, memory, and the timeless magic of great music.”
“With over 30 classic hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s, this musical is a jukebox love letter to simpler times.
“This show captures the joy and spirit that Totem Pole has shared with generations of local families—singing, laughing, and celebrating together.”
The Marvelous Wonderettes was created by Roger Bean and first premiered at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater in 1999 before becoming an Off-Broadway hit in 2008. Bean’s clever concept and direction launched a string of sequels and adaptations celebrating retro girl groups and the music that defined an era.
Perfect for all ages—especially couples, date nights, mother-daughter outings, and group reunions—this lighthearted musical reminds us that some friendships and songs never fade. Tickets are on sale now at www.totempoleplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at 717-352-2164. .