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We all love the many joys that modern trends bring us over the holiday season. Netflix’s wintery romcoms? Add to watchlist immediately. Seasonal tunes sung by the radio’s favorite pop artists? On repeat, of course. However, there’s something so magical about embracing the holiday traditions of yesteryear, too. This winter, the Delray Beach Playhouse does just that with their festive production of Winter Wonderettes. Directed by Elizabeth Guerra, the jukebox musical takes audience members back to 1968, where Harper’s Hardware Store is hosting its annual company Christmas party. When Santa goes missing, best friends Betty Jean (Lili Mueller), Cindy Lou (Hannah Almanzar), Missy (Jessica Perry) and Suzy (Amber Arevalo) step in to save the day, regaling the crowd with their honeyed harmonies and catchy renditions of popular holiday songs! Can the Wonderettes make the party a success after all?
Everyone plays their own unique role in their friend group, and the same is certainly true for these Wonderettes. Lili Mueller is class clown Betty Jean; Hannah Almanzar is “bad girl” Cindy Lou, whose acerbic wit just might be masking a secret softer side; Amber Arevalo is the bubbly, happy-go-lucky Suzy, who’s a little scatterbrained (and a little pregnant); and Jessica Perry is overachiever Missy, delivering my personal favorite performance. The cast’s chemistry is evident from start to finish, making the Wonderettes’ easy camaraderie and lived-in dynamic feel believable, and the distinctiveness of each character’s personality allows each one to readily resonate with different viewers. Another standout aspect was the Wonderettes’ tendency to break the fourth wall, bringing the audience into the fun by addressing them as employees who are also attending the party.
The set design, by Kat Davis, is simple, as the show remains in the same location—Harper’s Hardware Store—throughout. Nonetheless, Davis does a wonderful job of transporting audience members to a 1960s Christmas, in all its delightfully retro glory. Costume designer Penelope Williams ensures that the Wonderettes stand out, outfitting them in dresses fit for a party, each member in her own signature color: green for Betty Jean, pink for Cindy Lou, blue for Suzy, and gold for Missy.
The songs, brought to life by music designer Aaliyah Amoin, are a definite highlight of the production, the perfect piece to bring the story together. The setlist includes a wide variety of holiday classics, all arranged in ‘60s-girl-group fashion, including hits like “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” “Santa Baby,” and “Winter Wonderland.” Choreographer Lauren Wickerson gives the Wonderettes the moves to match the festive flair, capturing the energy of each beloved tune. Lighting designer Lowell Richard also plays a pivotal role in the show, although he remains offstage—Suzy’s husband, Ritchie, works the lights at the company holiday party, making for plenty of funny moments throughout as she encourages him to make the Wonderettes shine!
If you’re in the mood for a show that will warm your heart like a comforting cup of hot cocoa this holiday season, look no further than Delray Beach Playhouse’s production of Winter Wonderettes! With performances that will remind you to celebrate the joy of friendship and community, and songs that will remain playing in your head long after the final note, the show is the perfect pick-me-up for these winter months. Treat yourself and your loved ones and go see it for yourself!
Enjoy the gift of live theater this holiday season! Winter Wonderettes runs at the Delray Beach Playhouse, located on Lake Ida, through December 28. Purchase your tickets here.
The post ‘Tis the Season to Be Entertained: “Winter Wonderettes” at the Delray Beach Playhouse appeared on South Florida Theater.
