Summit Theatre Group’s festive finale brings audience back to a ’60s holiday

Ready to get into the holiday spirit? Step back to the 1960s with Summit Theatre Group’s final show of the year.

“Winter Wonderettes,” directed by former Lee’s Summit West high school drama teacher Ben Martin, is a dinner-theater experience.

The play unfolds in Harper’s Hardware Store during a big holiday party. The catch? Santa is a no-show.

That’s where the “Wonderettes” come in, using their talent and Christmas creativity to save the party.

Martin’s wife, Roxanne, is the musical director for the performance.

“Roxanne and I are having a great time working together directing our second Christmas musical for STG,” Ben Martin said in a written statement. “We have a wonderful cast with a great sense of fun, which makes this show work even better.”

Patrons can expect classics like “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”

Cast members include Kayla Mertz from Independence; Brittany Hill from Peculiar; Aubrey Hicks from Warrensburg and Jenna Speaks from Lee’s Summit. Kenny Taylor, from Lee’s Summit, is an R-7 educator and stage manager.

Martin said the biggest challenge for the performers wasn’t so much the “cute and entertaining” storyline, but the complex harmonies.

But the talented singers, he said, are up for the challenge.

“They are quickly mastering the songs and are going to be outstanding when we open on Dec. 12.”

“Winter Wonderettes” runs Dec. 12-15 at the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center, 500 SW Longview Road in Lee’s Summit. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.; the show begins at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday, Dec. 15 matinee includes lunch at 12:30 p.m. with the show at 1:30 p.m.

A performance-only production will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 for students/seniors; $45 for general public. For the special Saturday performance, tickets are available only at the door. For more information, visit www.summittheatre.org/winter-wonderettes.