ARUNDEL — The ancient timbers of the Arundel Barn Playhouse are resonating with a tasty dessert of a musical called “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” running through Aug. 30.  

I mistakenly assumed that the Wonderettes were an early Motown-style group like Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Supremes or the Ronettes. Instead, we meet four girlishly giddy teenagers regaled in yards of satin and chiffon on their prom night. What follows is a wave of nostalgic love songs that flood the stage in heavenly harmony.   

The year is 1958, prom night at the school gym. The featured musical act of the evening, The Crooning Crabcakes, are unable to perform, which thrusts the Wonderettes to center stage. Rising to the occasion, these four lovestruck teen angels treat us to a medley of finely articulated and beautifully blended vocal harmonies reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters. 

Their tuneful ensemble numbers are punctuated with solo interludes, which give each of the four song sisters a chance to explore their unique vocal talents.   

Included in the Act One mix are “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Lollipop,” and the memorable ballad “Hold Me, Thrill me, Kiss Me.” It’s fluffy, frenetic and fun. Each of the girls has a unique personality and their comic character chemistry is as well balanced as their vocal synchronicity.  

But soon the amity of the four friends begins to breakdown when Betty Jean, portrayed by Lexi Duffy, finds out that her best friend Cindy Lou, played by Kate Turner, has been cheating with her boyfriend Johnny.  

In an effort to quell the conflict and consternation, the short and sassy Missy, played by Rachel Grindle, reveals her secret love: her teacher, Mr. Lee ”“ which leads to a fun twist of audience participation that I won’t reveal here.

The “Mister Lee” number is a highlight of Act One and gives Grindle, who is a University of Southern Maine student, the chance to fully explore Missy’s quirky character. She does so with gusto.  

Act Two returns us to Gym 10 years later for a class reunion. The year is now 1968. Satin and chiffon has been replaced by white go-go boots and a blinding array of dazzling sequin dresses. The girls have all radically changed their hairstyles and the transformation is a credit to the Barn’s make-up and costume department.  

The prom queen is now pregnant, but having marital trauma. Missy and her former teacher, Mr. Lee, are enjoying long evenings of pizza parties. Cindy Lou is having an affair with her motorcycle boyfriend and treats us to renditions of “Leader of the Pack” and “Son of a Preacher Man.”

Throughout the proceedings, Lexi’s Betty Jean remains a constant source of comic antics and acrobatic slapstick physicalizations. At one point, she comes out tooting a big brass horn, a la Lucille Ball, much to the consternation of her companions. Lexi is a magnetic stage presence with much promise. Adding to her comic combustion is a richly resonant voice, which is neatly showcased on the personal embellishments which she cleverly improvised on Leslie Gore’s hit “It’s My Party.”

The Arundel Barn Playhouse closes its 2014 season on a high note of musical theater pleasure. It’s a delightful place to be on these cool late summer evenings. The Wonderettes are indeed wonderful.

For tickets and information, call 985-5552. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 8 p.m. Wednesday matinees are at 2 p.m. on Aug. 27 and 29. The vintage barn is pleasantly appointed with gardens and the outdoor patio is a pleasant place to enjoy the summer night air at intermission. Mosquito repellent is probably a good idea to have on hand.  

— Gregory Reynolds Morell is director of the Antic Arts Center and a writer and producer. Visit www.gregmorell.com.