'Marvelous Wonderettes' debuts April 11

Shoo-be-doo-wop! You'll flip your lid for this one!

DPRCA presents "The Marvelous Wonderettes," a must-take musical trip down memory lane featuring over 30 classic '50s and '60s hits.

The show opens during the 1958 Springfield High School prom. Meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy: four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. They go on about their lives and loves, all the while belting out classic '50s hits including "Lollipop," "Dream Lover," "Stupid Cupid," "Lipstick on Your Collar," and "Mr. Sandman."

In Act II, the cadre of crooners reunite to perform at their 10-year reunion. They cover the highs and lows they've experienced in the past decade, this time singing a sundry of 1960s favorites, including "It's My Party" and "Respect." They discover that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together.

Drew Relling makes his directorial debut in this smash Off-Broadway hit by Roger Bean.

"It is jam packed; the music is a lot of fun," said Relling. "It was really great to get the opportunity (to direct)."

DPRCA Assistant Managing Director Erin Greiner says she really enjoys the "decade swap." Patrons will be able to hear the music shift stylistically as the teenage characters become adults and the show transitions from the '50s into the '60s.

DPRCA patrons may remember the Wonderettes from Christmas 2021, when the "Winter Wonderettes" performed numerous holiday classics. Two of the DPRCA's original Wonderettes will return to the stage for "The Marvelous Wonderettes," which is actually the prequel to the holiday show. Grace Quam returns as Suzy and Raleigh Peterson reprises her role as Cindy Lou.

Emma Bennett, who performed in "The Christmas Show" last December, stars as Missy.

Cambree Blegen, a senior at Devils Lake High School, plays Betty Jean. Blegen was a munchkin in DPRCA's "The Wizard of Oz" back in 2017 when she was still in elementary school, and will return to the DPRCA stage for her first starring role as a Wonderette.

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" opens Thursday, April 11, with 12 performances on Thursdays through Sundays until April 28. Thursday and Friday showtime is 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

You dig? Then call dibs on your favorite seats and burn rubber all the way to the OCT!

Tickets are $25 for adults; $15 for students and $10 for youth 10 and under. Book seats online at dprca.com.

Well, ring a ding ding! Dinner is served in the Bistro before each show. The menu features four entrées, including salmon, beef short ribs, chicken breast or veggie alfredo pasta. There's mac and cheese for the kids too! Reservations are required, so book your seats and make your dinner reservations by calling or texting 701-399-9634.