ESCANABA — The third time’s the charm, and this is just as charming as the previous two installments, directed by Lynn Soderberg. The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On begins with the reunion of Cindy Lou (Erica Mead), Missy (Macy Neumeier), Betty Jean (Amy Dier), and Suzy (Autumn Fournier) to celebrate the retirement of Springfield High’s Miss McPherson and ends with the girl group performing at their 20th class reunion. Interspersed between witty banter and tongue-in-cheek humor at the expense of the high school staff, the Marvelous Wonderettes update each other – and the audience – on what they’ve been doing since graduation. Through heartache and humor, the gals highlight their stories with familiar songs, accompanied by a live band on stage. Though there were plenty of moments for each woman to shine with their own solos, they also played off each other’s energy and talents. The Marvelous Wonderettes and the band, led by the illustrious Travis DuBord on keyboard, were perfectly seamless in accompaniment and transitions. Marnie Anderson and Syndney Ogren dazzle on the keyboard (each taking a different weekend), while Noah Dier, son of Amy “Betty Jean” Dier shows off his impressive guitar playing. Elizabeth Brandel drops the beat with the bass and Miah Barteld keeps the music rolling on the drums. In addition to singing with the live band, the Wonderettes show off their dancing with the choreography of the talented Nicole Nelson, who choreographed many of the show’s 26 numbers!

This jukebox musical brought hit after hit from start to finish with songs spanning from 1969-1978. I was initially concerned that I wouldn’t be able to follow along with the show because I hadn’t seen the other two (The Marvelous Wonderettes and Winter Wonderettes), but this show exists as a standalone as well as part of the trilogy. What struck me more than anything else was the enduring power of female friendship. Betty Jean brings the sass and female empowerment with “I Will Survive” and as a true friend, she supports Cindy Lou’s dreams of making it big in NYC. The whole group urges Cindy Lou to take front stage with her one hit wonder “Everlasting Love.” Blonde Suzy keeps the audience laughing with her ditzy comments, while showing her love for husband Ritchie in her beautiful rendition of “Come In From the Rain.” Mrs. Missy Lee uses her best teacher voice and organizational skills to make sure the retirement party and the reunion go off without a hitch while showing (maybe too much) appreciation for her husband with “For Once in My Life.”

The fabulous acting, electric chemistry, and catchy hits all make for a marvelous show. There’s still time to support our local talent: the final shows will be March 2 – 4 at 7:30 p.m. You can purchase tickets for any of the shows at the Bonifas Arts Center, the Chamber of Commerce, or by going to playersdenoc.org.