Celebrate holidays with Wonderettes
“The Winter Wonderettes,” a wonderfully entertaining musical reminds us that Christmas is coming soon. This fascinating show opens at Chico Theater Company on Nov. 26 and will delight audiences of all ages through Dec. 19.
This musical is directed by Judi Stricklan who has a great supportive team. Music direction by Christine Buckstead, CTC producer Marc Edson, wardrober Kathy Robinson and technical director Randy Ross help to make this musical one to be remembered.
“In ‘Winter Wonderettes' we revisit the characters of ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes,'” explained Stricklan. “We performed that show at CTC in 2013 which I directed. The Wonderettes are made up of four long time friends: Suzy, Missy, Cindy Lou and Betty Jean. They have been singing together since high school, and now will entertain for the local hardware store's holiday party.
“The holiday party happens in 1968, six months after their 10-year reunion. Audiences get to know each of the girls as they cover for Santa Claus who has gone missing from the party.
“Thee are over 20 Christmas songs to put people in the holiday spirit,” she said. “It is a fun, family friendly Christmas show with lots of laughs, dancing and tight harmonies.”
Portraying the characters of the four Wonderettes are Holly Quick as Cindy Lou, the sexy “bad girl” of the group with a dry and sassy wit. Olivia Alcantara is Betty Jean, the clown of the group. Kellen Staub is Missy, always an overachiever. Raegan Gibson is Suzy who is a little silly and a little pregnant.
“Winter Wanderettes” shows the four women planning a 1968 holiday party for Harper's Hardware. Betty Jean has worked there since high school so family, friends and employees are all invited to attend. The Wanderettes transform the hardware store into a magical winter wonderland.
Holiday songs are plentiful for this lively show. Some of them include, “Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Jingle Bells.”
All ends happily in this intriguing musical which can put smiles on everyone's faces.
Tickets are $24 adults, $22 age 65 and over, $20 child age 12 or younger. Purchase at theater (530) 894-3282 or online www. chichtheater.com.