SHREWSBURY – A slice of the ’50s and ’60s is coming to Shrewsbury.
In early August, the Square One Players are returning to the stage to perform “The Marvelous Wonderettes” for the community. The musical, set in the late 1950s and 1960s, follows four women — Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy – as they navigate their Springfield High School prom and 10-year class reunion.
Get ready to sing along to ’50s hits like “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Heatwave,” and “It’s My Party.”
The Square One Players chose to perform the musical in part because of its lighthearted nature.
“This is four women, two costumes each, one set. … It’s all ’50s and ’60s music. You know all the songs. Songs that we’ve all heard. It’s music you all know, and [the cast] interacts with the audience a lot, so it’s more than just you watching them,” said Square One Players co-owner Joanne Smith.
This “beautifully simple” production, as Square One Players co-owner Tara Alano called it, features live music and four talented actresses. Stephanie Sarkisian (Betty Jean), Amanda Lanza (Cindy Lou), Mallory Wray (Missy) and Meg Masciangioli (Suzy) will lend their “incredible” voices to the production.
“It’s like a musical review. I think everyone likes that good feeling. They’re going to sing along. We’re in the background boppin’. We want it to be light and fun,” said Alano.
For the Square One Players cast, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” is about more than ’50s music — it’s about fostering community and following their passion. Most of the cast practices after work to participate in the production, and any profit from the shows is put toward the company’s next play or musical.
“We enjoy the people. It’s the time with other people we enjoy — the camaraderie and socialization. It’s that part of it that we love,” Alano said.
The “Marvelous Wonderettes” will be the group’s sixth production, following its recent performances of “Steel Magnolias” and “Spamalot.”
“We hope people continue to enjoy coming. It’s a fun, light, sing-along experience. It’s a light, easy two hours. You just come in and you don’t have to think,” said Alano.
The performances — which are sponsored by the Shrewsbury Cultural Council — will be held at Southgate’s Flanagan Theater, located at 30 Julio Drive. The Saturday performances (Aug. 3 and 10) will be held at 7:30 p.m., with the Sunday performances (Aug. 4 and 11) held at 2 p.m.
For more information on the Square One Players — or to grab your tickets to the show — please visit https://www.squareoneplayers.com/ or call (508) 669-7750. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $17 for students and seniors.
