Morello to Head Cast of THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES at Maine State Music Theatre, 6/8 - 25

Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) is pleased to announce the four actresses playing Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Suzy and Missy, otherwise known as "The Marvelous Wonderettes," in the theatre's opening show of the 2011 season. The show is slated to star Brittney Morello, Lara Seibert,Danielle Erin Rhodes and Morgan Smith. THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES

is a musical blast from the past featuring popular songs from the 1950s and 60s, and runs from June 8th until June 25th at the Pickard Theater located at 1 Bath Road in Brunswick, Maine.

Brittney Morello, who plays Betty Jean, made her debut at MSMT quite unexpectedly last summer when the starring actress in MSMT's MY FAIR LADY became ill and lost her voice just before opening night. Morello, who was waiting for a bus after visiting a friend employed by the theatre, was hailed back by MSMT executives after learning of her previous experience playing Eliza Doolittle. Morello went on stage within hours - to thunderous applause - and created a theatrical moment that audience members will not soon forget. Morello has previously performed at North Shore Music Theatre and Speakeasy Stage Company in Massachusetts and has also performed with Summer Theatre MerEdith Village in New Hampshire.

Lara Seibert, playing Cindy Lou, is also no stranger to MSMT audiences. Seibert starred as Janet, the hilarious starlet/bride-to-be, in 2009's THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Seibert's Broadway credentials include performing as Inga in Mel Brook's comic musical YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN as well as on the National Tour. Seibert was also a member of the National Broadway Tour of THE PRODUCERS.

Danielle Erin Rhodes plays Suzy and Morgan Smith plays Missy. Both actresses are making their MSMT debuts this summer. Rhodes has previously toured in productions of GREASE and OLIVER! and has performed in the popular Broadway fundraiser known as "Broadway Backwards." Smith has performed Off-Broadway and with multiple acclaimed regional theatres.

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES takes audiences to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Suzy and Missy share hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. Their lives and loves are revealed as the girls perform classic 50s pop songs. After intermission, "The Marvelous Wonderettes" are reunited at their ten-year reunion and delight the audience
with music from the 1960s. The score includes hits like "Lollipop," "Dream Lover," "Stupid Cupid," "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me," "It's My Party," and "It's In His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song)" just to name a few. It's a musical trip down memory lane.

Maine State Music Theatre's 2011 season is graciously sponsored by The Highlands and Highland Green. THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES is sponsored by Dead River Company, L.L.Bean, Henry & Marty Restaurant and Catering and The Gelato Fiasco.

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES opens Maine State Music Theatre's 53rd season which also includes the classic ANNIE, the hilarious send-up of the 1980 Olivia Newton John film XANADU, and the rock-gospel explosion THE WIZ. Season tickets are on sale now by calling the MSMT box office at (207) 725- 8769. More information about MSMT and their summer season can be found
at www.msmt.org. Single tickets to all MSMT events, including special concert events and children's musicals, go on sale beginning May 4th.