'Marvelous Wonderettes' to benefit ACP with three shows this weekend

How marvelous! Starring in “The Marvelous Wonderettes” are Melissa Major, Cindy Alimpich, Whitney McDonald and Shantay Evans. Submitted photo.

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" opens Friday, and with it comes chances to win a variety of raffle prizes, including a gift certificate for a two-night stay at The Willcox.

The show, a fundraiser for Aiken Community Playhouse, will be presented Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. at the Aiken Municipal Auditorium. Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday, and WKSX DJ Tony B will be spinning 1950s and 1960s dance music leading up to the show.

Aiken Community Playhouse board member Dave Engelman said that "The Marvelous Wonderettes" is about four best friends who, at their prom, are asked on stage at the last minute to provide entertainment for their classmates. Each is competing for prom queen, as well. Then, 10 years later at a high school reunion, the four women discuss the different roads they've traveled since graduation.

"It's taking you back to the prom dances of the '50s and '60s," Engelman said. "Essentially, it's a musical review."

The four friends - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy - sing popular girl-group, doo-wop songs from the decade, including "Dream Lover," "Heat Wave," "Leader of the Pack," "Mr. Sandman" and "Respect."

"Because of all the music, we think people will be sitting there tapping their toes," Engelman said.

The show is accompanied by a live, three-piece band.

The prizes will be raffled off during intermission. Prizes include the two-night stay at The Willcox, jewelry, a gift certificate from Davor's, an original framed, signed and numbered seriolithograph by artist Tina Smith, 2012-13 subscriptions to the Aiken Community Playhouse and more.

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" stars Melissa Major, Whitney McDonald, Cindy Alimpich and Shantay Evans. It is directed by Dan See.

It is a dessert theater with refreshments such as sweet treats, coffee and tea included in the ticket price. There will also be a cash wine bar.

Tickets are $35 for the Friday and Saturday evening shows. Tickets are $20 for the Saturday matinee. The matinee does not include a raffle ticket or refreshments.

For more information, call the Aiken Community Playhouse box office at 648-1438.

Haley Hughes has spent five years as the Aiken County government reporter with the Aiken Standard. Hughes, a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, hails from Knoxville, Tenn.