The smash-hit comedy “Menopause the Musical” brings its national tour to the American Cabaret Theatre.
“Menopause the Musical’ has become in its seven-year history, its own national women’s movement. A parody of women and “The Change,” the musical is set in a department store where four women with seemingly nothing in common except a black lace bra meet by chance. The musical pokes fun at such things as hot flashes, memory loss, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and eating binges.
“You can survive the change. The musical allows us to laugh at things way back in time we never even discussed. We are able to value ourselves as women. We should celebrate and not look at it (menopause) as negative,” expressed Judy Bridgewater, who performs in the musical as Earth Mother.
The show’s intended message is that menopause is a passage, but it should no longer be the silent passage. Menopause is a stage in every woman’s life that is perfectly normal and at times can be humorous.
In addition to Bridgewater the local production stars Tiffanie Bridges, as Professional Woman; Ellen Kingston, as Soap Star; and Catherine Vaughn Mobley, as Iowa Housewife. Sherri Brown-Webster is the triple understudy and fills in when needed as Professional Woman, Soap Star and Earth Mother.
All of the actresses are locals of Indianapolis and agree it’s nice to be able to perform for hometown crowds and go home each night.
“We are a tight, close-knit caring cast,” said Brown-Webster. “We are having a great time doing the show.”
The popular 90-minute show, created by writer Jeanie Linders, features 25 song parodies based on classic baby boomer hits and dedicated to women experiencing “The Change.”
For instance, the song “Chain of Fools” becomes “Change, Change, Change”; “Stayin’ Alive” is turned into “Stayin’ Awake”; and “Heat Wave” is transformed into a song about the hot flashes experienced during menopause feeling like a personal tropical heat wave. The show culminates with a high-spirited invitation for audience members to celebrate on stage.
Since March 2001, the show has entertained and inspired women coast-to-coast and internationally. Women of all ages and stages of their lives laugh out loud and find their spirits lifted by the show’s lighthearted look at menopause.
“Menopause in itself is a worldwide thing. It is universal,” explained Brown-Webster.
Join with women all over celebrating the change by supporting local actresses in “Menopause the Musical.”
