"The Marvelous Wonderettes (2)," Priscilla Beach Theatre, Priscilla Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

I would love to take credit for this image but frankly, all I did was make a photograph of it. I think the credit belongs to PBT's lighting designer, Ellie Rogers. I am really struck by the beauty of the back and overhead lighting that created the diaphanous look to the gowns.



Same image, with a closer crop.



Same image - even closer crop.

I can't decide which I like best - the first one has the lead-in lines of the flooring and captures the full set context dramatically but, the performers are too small - the third one gives better detail to the performers but reduces stage context - the second one is probably the best compromise. Then again .........

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" opened the 2017 performance season at Priscilla Beach Theatre (PBT) on May 5th with a full house and a thrilling performance that ended in a standing ovation. A great way to open the season! The synergy of cast and crew came together to provide a magical theatre experience.

This blog post is from the second of two full dress rehearsals that I attended. Part 1 is at this link.

"The show takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where you meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy. They entertain you with songs from the 1950s and 1960s. Songs include "Lollipop", "Dream Lover", "Stupid Cupid". These four girls will share their hopes and dreams while taking you on a musical trip down memory lane." Source: PBT

Producers: Bob and Sandy Malone
Director: Barbara Baumgarten
Musical Director: Chris Ricci
Production Manager: Josh Patino
Stage Manager: Ross Magnant
Asst. Stage Manager: Rosa D'Ambrosio
Lighting: Ellie Rogers
Sound: Chris Conti

The following images are in order of occurrence in the show.



Performers: Emilie Mirvis, Jocelin Weiss, Paige Berkovitz, Allie Abate.



Another beautifully lighted scene.



Same image, closer crop.











I always enjoy capturing spinning dresses and flying hair frozen in motion.



























At rehearsal, a stand-in audience member was needed for this scene and PBT co-owner and guardian Bob Malone was a good sport to step up and do it.



























The final bow.

For the photographically inclined readers, for this show I borrowed a Leica X fixed lens camera (equivalent to 35mm). It has an APS-C sized sensor, shutter speed which I set at 1/250 for the entire show, apertures were variable but generally around f/2.0, ISO variable but generally around 200. Results are a bit sharper than my Sony RX100 M2 with a 1" sensor. The only downside was I had to give up zoom capability since the Leica X is a prime lens.

You can contact PBT online at http://www.pbtheatre.org/  or by phone at 508-224-4888 for tickets or info.

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" in May,
"Nunsense" in June,
"West Side Story" in July,
"The Producers" in August,
"All Shook Up" in September, and
"Little Shop of Horrors" in October.

Priscilla Beach Theatre at dusk.

(This post was originally published on 5/8/17).