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MILLIGAN, Tenn. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Milligan University musical theatre will transport you back to the 1950s with their production of “The Marvelous Wonderettes Caps and Gowns ’58.”
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9, in the Walker Auditorium in Seeger Chapel. Tickets are on sale for $12 at Milligan.tix.com.
Written and created by Roger Bean, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” follows seniors Missy, Cindy Lou, Suzy and Betty Jean as they reflect on their friendships and experiences at Springfield High’s graduation as the class of 1958. While performing as song leaders, they sing popular hit songs of the 1950s such as “Rockin’ Robin,” “Sealed With a Kiss” and “Oh Boy!”
“I was drawn to this production due to timeless rock’n’roll music and the community it creates,” said Alena Carhart, director and adjunct instructor of music, applied voice and musical theatre. “This show is equally funny as it is heartwarming, and it draws in all generations to see this feel-good show. Travel back to the 1950s, away from phones and get your feet on the dance floor at this show.”
The cast features freshman musical theatre and biblical and theological studies major Irie Manning, from Etowah, Tennessee, playing Missy; senior musical theatre major Anna Shelton, of Kokomo, Indiana, as Cindy Lou; sophomore musical theatre major Hope Krell, Telford, Tennessee, as Suzy; junior graphic design major Ariana Floyd, of Bristol, Tennessee, playing Betty Jean; and freshman musical theatre major Sallie Hatfield, Seymour, Tennessee, as Chester and Swing.
“The cast has had a blast with the comradery of the ‘Wonderettes’ and have loved digging into the trends of the 1950s,” shared Carhart. “They are a tight-knit group, so it’s been a joy seeing them bring these characters to life, ranging from the scholastic overachiever Missy to the witty troublemaker Betty Jean.”
The production is a collaboration of Carhart as director; assistant director Mareena Rodriguez, instructor of music, applied voice and musical theatre; choreography by Rebekah Knisley, instructor of dance; music director and conductor Steve Sensenig, piano accompanist; and stage manager Ryan Jamerson, a senior musical theatre major from Limestone, Tennessee. The technical crew members are sophomore Ian Haagen, a theatre arts major from Johnson City, and Abby Tramel, a child youth development major from Johnson City.
Music will be provided by Sensenig; class of 2024 graduate Joesph Dykes, of Johnson City; graduate student Matthew Haagan, of Pfafftown, North Carolina; and Michael Lester.
To learn more about Milligan’s music and musical theatre program, visit www.milligan.edu/music.