Review of the Winter Wonderettes

by Hannah Yurke

Even though the Winter Wonderettes is performed by the Marin Shakespeare Company, it is definitely NOT Shakespeare. If you like fun, winter musical fluff then this one might be up your alley.

A 1960’s Christmas party in Harpers hardware store somewhere in middle America goes awry when Santa vanishes. In attendance are our four main characters, the vocal Wonderettes, all young women, constricted to various degrees, by their small town life. This construct provides them the opportunity to sing and dance to a string of Christmassy songs, like “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”, and “Winter Wonderland” as well as some less familiar numbers. Rivalries mount along the way, and as with all Christmas stories we hit some Scrooge like lows, before our gals sing and dance their way to the resolution. There were some fun opportunities for audience participation - nothing too stressful, and an opportunity to sing along too.

Our four actors are energetic and spirited, and are clearly putting their all into their performances. Their voices are as different as their personalities, some bigger than others. Costumes are fun, little ‘60’s numbers, and the brand new INDOOR theater in the space that used to be Hellers, makes for a small and intimate production. The set is minimal, a photo backdrop of a hardware store, gifts and a Christmas tree, but there’s live musical accompaniment, mixed with lots of onstage Christmas spirit. This means time passes quickly as the show is only an hour and a half long, including the intermission.

However, I do question exactly who this story is really for. A fair amount of light raunch means it isn’t really aimed at small children, and yet the constant singing, and feather light story seems not really designed to deliver to adults either, even though the issues broached mainly revolve around relationships. Despite a cute twist at the end, and some funny moments, the story fell short with its confused idea of a desired audience. It’s true, I’m not an avid fan of musicals, though I can be persuaded (Wonka anyone?) Perhaps the Marin Shakespeare Company is trying to broaden its appeal, however, I feel like for them, a production with a little more heft, along the lines of A Christmas Carol might have more pulling power. But if you’re a fan of short, sweet, chewing gum musicals, this lively little production of the Winter Wonderettes may be worth checking out. 

December 20, 2024 - January 5, 2025

PERFORMANCES

Wednesdays at 7:30pm (starting Jan 1)
Thursdays at 7:30pm (starting Dec 26)
Fridays at 7:30pm (starting Dec 20)
Saturdays at 7:30pm (starting Dec 21)
Sundays at 2:00pm (starting Dec 22)

WHERE

Marin Shakespeare Company
514 Fourth Street Theatre
San Rafael, CA 94901

ABOUT

Opening December 20 at Marin Shakespeare’s new indoor theater at 514 Fourth Street Theatre The Winter Wonderettes tells the tale of four female friends at the annual Harper's Hardware Holiday Party gather to celebrate the season. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their creative ingenuity to save the day!

TICKETS

$10 - $40