Theatre Talk goes down memory lane

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal

Special to The Village News

Dear Fellas,

The Welk Theatre has the perfect Valentine's Day gift waiting for you and it is calorie free. Grab your best girl and take her to the Springfield High Senior Prom. It's 1958 and you won't even have to dance.

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" is a fun filled musical medley covering two decades.

Known locally, simply as 'The Welk,' this family friendly theatre is recognized across the county for its good taste, good shows, and good performances.

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" is no exception. It's about four best friends who sing at their 1958 Springfield High School Senior Prom. We'll meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts!

As we learn about their lives and loves, through song, the girls serenade us with classic 1950's classic hits including "Lollipop," "Dream Lover," "Stupid Cupid," and "Lipstick on Your Collar, " and 1960's classics "Heatwave," "You Don't Own me," "Son Of A Preacher Man," "Rescue Me," "Respect" and so many more!

Bets Malone directed this production with her heart as did Elan McMahon as musical director. Loryn Cook designed a striking set; Jennifer Edwards Northover kept the lights on; Jordan Gray provided clear and perfect sound throughout.

The Marvelous Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this musical trip down memory lane, through March 26. For tickets, call the Box Office at 760-749-3448/toll 888-802-7469 or go to https://tickets.thewelksandiego.com. The Welk Theatre is back with a new season. Up next is "The Bodyguard." This show is rated a fun-filled 9 out of 10.

Note: Cast details were not available by press time.

Lamb's Playhouse announced the West Coast premiere of R*E*S*P*E*C*T. I'll see it opening night, Feb. 4 at1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado. For tickets, call 619-437-6000 or visit https://www.lambsplayers.org.

Two days only, Broadway San Diego is playing "Bluey's Big Play," Feb. 24 and 25. For tickets call 619-564-3000, or visit https://www.broadwaysd.com/.

The Cygnet Theatre in Old Town is playing "El Huracán" until Feb. 19. Author Charise Castro Smith is recognized for writing "Disney's Encanto". The theatre is at 4040 Twiggs St. For tickets, call 619-337-1525 or visit https://www.cygnettheare.com.

Diversionary Theatre continues with their Cabaret nights this month, LGBTQ+. Check it out at 4545 Park Blvd., 619-220-0097 or https://www.diversionary.org.

The Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park is reviving an important work by Tony Award winning playwright Mary Zimmerman. "The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci" will be performed at the Prebys Theatre until Feb. 26. Opening Feb. 11 is "Under a Baseball Sky" based on Logan Heights in San Diego. For more information, call 619-234-5623 or visit https://wwwtheoldglobe.org. Make it easy on yourself and buy parking. It's worth it.

New Village Arts in Carlsbad opened the West Coast Premier of "The Ferryman." Set in Ireland and performing through March 5 at 2787 State St., Carlsbad. For tickets, call 760-433-3245 or visit https://newvillagearts.org/. I'll see it this coming Sunday afternoon.

Scripps Ranch Theatre's new musical "Lucky Stiff" runs through Feb. 19. When a shoe maker wins a trip to Monte Carlo, things can happen. For tickets, call 858-395-0573 or visit https://scrippsranchtheatre.org/.

San Diego Musical Theatre is bringing back Cole Porter's "Anything Goes," Feb. 10 to March 12. Just be prepared for lots of tapping. Free parking, at 4650 Mercury St. For tickets, call 858-560-5740 or visit http://www.sdmt.org.

Coming next month to La Jolla Playhouse is the world premiere of "The Outsiders" based on the novel by S.E. Hinton. This new musical will have its out-of-town opening just down the road. Previews start on Feb. 19; preview tickets often cost less. To get yours, visit https://lajollaplayhouse.org/ or call 858-550-1010.

Elizabeth can be reached at [email protected].