The Marvelous Wonderettes Opens on Regent University’s Studio Theatre

Tidewater Stage Theatre’s fourth season of live entertainment begins with prom night, 1958.

Regent University’s professional stage company’s presentation of The Marvelous Wonderettes opens on the Studio Theatre on Friday, June 17. Performances continue June 18-19 and June 24-26. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Purchase tickets at the University Box Office.

The show features a cast of four bubbling and colorful young women up for prom queen. Together, they sing a musical collection of the classic hits like “Lollipop,” “Mr. Sandman,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar,” as they weave in their stories.

“It’s familiar music but it’s presented in a different way,” said Eric Harrell, producing artistic director for Tidewater Stage and associate professor for Regent’s School of Communication & the Arts (SCA).

All four of The Marvelous Wonderettes have direct ties to Regent – playing roles in their real lives as current students, alumni or serving on staff. This is a first, according to Harrell, who explained that in the company’s four seasons, the stage has employed more than 50 students at some capacity.

Even the show’s director and choreographer, Derek Martin ’09 (SCA), is an alumnus of the theatre department.

“This is a delightful musical revue with fantastic music and lots of really fun choreography,” said Harrell. “It was a no-brainer to bring someone back of his talent and skill, and he’s a great fit for this show.”

Martin recently completed choreography for a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma, but for a revue with bright, spunky numbers, he needed a way to convey a story through the show’s music.

“In [Oklahoma], there were four or five major numbers. Now we’re doing 40. It’s a different animal,” said Martin. “But, it’s been a blast.”

Martin said that for him, returning to Regent to direct the production has been a very “comfortable” and “fulfilling” experience. This is due, in part, to the stars of the production he’s quick to praise.

“They’re willing to do the work, and they want to find depth to their roles and characters, even in something as fun and light as The Marvelous Wonderettes,” said Martin. “And they’re wonderful people, that’s the other thing. They’re passionate about Christ, and they’re lovely to have a conversation with.”

Learn more about Regent University’s 2016 Tidewater Stage Theatre’s Summer Season and the School of Communication & the Arts.