The Marvelous Wonderettes

TAKES A LICKING The crooning cast rolls out the lollipops

Photograph: Carol Rosegg

For those who find Grease too risqué, here comes The Marvelous Wonderettes, a ’50s and ’60s jukebox musical that will evoke wistful applause from folks who made out to songs like “Dream Lover” and groans from pretty much everyone else. The so-called plot is just an excuse for the historic hit parade: Four singers—a diva, a ditz, a dweeb and a tomboy—take the stage at their 1958 prom, then again at their ten-year high-school reunion. While the performers are game, especially the lovably nerdy Farah Alvin, who has a tremendous voice, the overall effect is akin to overdosing on cotton candy. Unless your baby-boomer parents are in town, skip it.