Playhouse Stage offering one outdoor event this season
ALBANY – Playhouse Stage is kicking off its 36th summer with ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’ at Washington Park in Albany.
Set in the 1950s and 60s and scored by classic popular music selections of the time, the jukebox musical written by Roger Bean explores nostalgia, diverse relationships and change. The story is set at senior prom, where a cast of four students fill in as the night’s musical entertainment for their peers. Act II is set 10 years down the line at the same high school’s reunion where the four women reconnect.
Playhouse Stage’s production, directed by Ellie Frances, opened June 18 and will play Tuesday-Sunday at 7:30 p.m. through July 14 at the Washington Park lake house. Though Frances is a Playhouse Stage alumni and experienced director, ‘Wonderettes’ is Frances’ debut show directing for the company. Frances may be new to directing with Playhouse Stage, but starred as Pythio in its 2022 production of ‘Head Over Heels’, the fantastical period-piece featuring music by The Go-Go’s.
Collaboration between Frances and the company continued after ‘Head Over Heels’ closed. Frances was presented with the opportunity to direct ‘Wonderettes’ for Playhouse Stage and was drawn immediately.
“Playhouse brought this show to me and I was down to clown,” Frances laughed. “Directing got me the most excited…being able to facilitate collaboration, that excited me.”
Taking on this role with Playhouse Stage particularly sparked interest in the young multidisciplinary Frances.
“I’m passionate about finding accessibility and Playhouse Stage sticks to as many points of accessibility as possible,” Frances said, highlighting Playhouse Stage’s commitment to free, accessible theater for the Albany community.
The five-person cast includes actors of ranging ages, including recent graduate of Playhouse Stage’s youth education program. Emma Cornish plays the role of Missy. She said the transition from educational productions to professional has been seamless.
“They did a great job helping us get that foundation that we needed for professional work,” she said. Cornish highlights the music included in the show, citing that she “always loved the music of the 50s and 60s.”
This production is Playhouse Stage’s only show taking place at Washington park this summer. Normally, in addition to the Summer’s professional production, Playhouse Stage Academy features their work at the Lake House. This year the production of ‘Legally Blonde,’ featuring both students and professionals of Playhouse Stage, will take place at The Cohoes Music Hall instead.
Frances urges viewers to come indulge in the playful nature of ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’ and stay for the deeper changes the characters face.
“Its sweet and simple, but so much more complex…we see so many perspectives change,” they said.
Cornish adds how Playhouse Stage’s Summer tradition of free, outdoor theatre is one of the best activities for members of the Albany area.
“What’s better than sitting outside on a nice evening and watching live theater and music?” she said.
Tickets are available at Playhousestagecompany.com
