It’s almost time to bid a fond farewell to Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy, aka “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” They were such a hit at Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati in 2010 that they’ve made a return engagement this summer. In a clever reversal of seasons, ETC is offering a holiday show in July: It’s December 1968, and the girls are the holiday entertainment for employees of Harper’s Hardware. The store and, accordingly, the theater are decorated to the festive, holiday-light-strung rafters. There’s lots of humor, including some audience involvement (as an attendee, you’re actually an employee of the hardware store), so come ready to join in the fun.
Winter Wonderettes’ Christmas Eve show features lots of classic holiday Pop tunes from the 1960s — “Santa Baby,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Suzy Snowflake” to name but a few — providing a refreshing winter breeze to cool down this 90-degree summer. I guarantee that you’ll be entertained by Brooke Rucidlo as spacey Suzy, Sara Mackie as jealous Betty Jean (stuck working at Harper’s for a decade) Denise Devlin’s disdainful but good-hearted Cindy Lou show and the cheerful and crafty Missy, played by powerhouse singer Mia Gentile.
Winter Wonderettes, presented by Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, continues through July 24. Go here to read Rick Pender's full review.
