Photo Flash: MSMT Presents THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES

By: May. 31, 2011
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Maine State Music Theatre opens its 53rd season with an Off-Broadway musical comedy hit, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, which runs from June 8th through June 25th at the Pickard Theater in Brunswick. THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES stars four talented actresses: Brittany Morello, Lara Seibert, Morgan Smith, and Danielle Erin Rhodes. MSMT's presentation is directed by Chan Harris and choreographed by Jacob Toth. The show's creator, Roger Bean, served as a consultant to Harris and Toth during the early rehearsal process. The musical highlights four young women at their high school prom in 1958 and again at their ten-year reunion in 1968 as they discuss their lives through pop hits from the 50s and 60s.

Roger Bean was inspired by his mother's past as a song-leadeR. Bean wrote THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES featuring the music of his favorite decades. Bean said he is "very proud of this little show." He has watched the show grow from a one-act built for a black box concept into a smash Off-Broadway hit, which for Bean, is very rewarding.

When asked what the show offers to audiences, Bean insists that the story is not about the decades, but about themes that transcend them. The friendships formed in high school and the struggles we all feel as we grow up. Bean believes everyone, having been to high school, remembers those moments - prom, break ups, parties - and has strong reactions to the memories. Even after 150 productions, Bean loves THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, a show he calls his "baby." When asked to describe THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES in one word, his response - "Happy."

Brittany Morello, who plays Betty Jean in the show, is a returning to MSMT for her second summer after her unexpected debut last season when the starring actress of MY FAIR LADY lost her voice. Morello, who was waiting for a bus after visiting a friend employed by the theatre, was hailed back by MSMT executives after learning of her previous experience playing Eliza Doolittle. Morello went on stage within hours - to thunderous applause - and created a theatrical moment that audience members will not soon forget. Morello will be sure to awe audiences again in her role in THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES.
Lara Seibert is making her return to MSMT as well, after starring as Janet, the hilarious starlet/bride-to-be, in 2009's THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Seibert will also be featured in the upcoming production of Annie along with fellow cast members Danielle Erin Rhodes and Morgan SmitH. Smith and Rhodes are making their MSMT debuts in THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES.

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES is sponsored by L.L.Bean, Dead River Company, Henry & Marty Restaurant and The Gelato Fiasco. Maine State Music Theatre's entire 2011 season is graciously supported by The Highlands and Highland Green.

Tickets to see THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES are on sale now. Interested parties can contact the MSMT box office at (207) 725-8769, visit the box office window in person at The Pickard Theater or purchase online at www.msmt.org. The show previews on June 8th and runs until June 25th. Matinees are at 2 p.m. and evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. For specific dates and availability, please contact the box office or visit the website. The Pickard Theater is located at 1 Bath Road in Brunswick, on the campus of Bowdoin College.

MSMT's full 2011 summer season also includes the classic musical ANNIE, a hilarious roller-disco, musical comedy send-up of the 1980 Olivia Newton John film, XANADU, and the rock, soul and gospel journey through the famous Land of OZ, THE WIZ. Children's programming and special concert events including a presentation of the music from the Tony Award-winning musical (for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Orchestrations) SPRING AWAKENING are also planned.



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