GFour Productions Presents MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Review – A Comedy About Aging

Posted on by Ann Boland

The setting is a department store, and the musical begins as four women meet in front of the elevator doors while shopping. The women, upon meeting for the first time, notice similarities among one another, and they joke about their woeful hot flashes, mood swings, wrinkles, weight gain, and more. These women form a sisterhood and unique bond with the entire audience as they rejoice in celebrating the truth about menopause.

The versatile set reuses four doors through which the scene changes—for example, the elevator operator announces a new floor and what can be found there to change the scene, “Fourth floor, women’s wear: lingerie, sportswear, dresses.”

GFour Productions gives us snappy song parodies keep the audience laughing

The truth about menopause is driven home by 24 parodies of classic pop songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. It’s difficult, at least for this reviewer, to single out one –particularly outstanding song—with titles such as Chain, Chain, Change based on Aretha Franklin’s Chain of Fools; Hot Flash based on Martha and the Vandellas Heat Wave; and Puff, My God, I’m Draggin based on Peter, Paul, and Mary’s Puff the Magic Dragon—since any one gets us laughing hard.

An ensemble of professionals sings the tunes of truth

In this streamed production, we see the ensemble members who have played these roles for years.  You too may concur that their contagious enjoyment after working together for so long lifts the production.   Teri Adams who plays so coy as the Iowa Housewife, discovers the joys of sex for the older woman. Her big number involves the use of what appears to be a microphone that vibrates.  Judy Blue, the aging Soap Star, laments the loss of her svelte body and perhaps her starring role. This is so believable because Ms. Blue appears to carry about 15 pounds over her prime weight.   Linda Boston, the dynamic Professional Woman, belts the blues that rock the audience.  She hardly needs to wear a microphone for her gorgeous contralto voice to lift the house.  Megan Cavanaugh as Mother Earth has star comic strengths that lift Puff, My God, I’m Draggin to a sing-along audience sensation.  Her hippy costume and zaftig figure support her anti-mainstream image.

This musical can be enjoyed by women of any age, but especially those who are in or on the other side of menopause.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

GFour Productions MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL
Judy Blue
GFour Productions MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL
Megan Cavanaugh
GFour Productions MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL
Teri Adams
GFour Productions MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL
Linda Boston

Cast:

Teri Adams (Iowa Housewife)

Judy Blue (Soap Star)

Linda Boston (Professional Woman)

Megan Cavanaugh (Earth Mother)

Creative Team:

SETH GREENLEAF (Director)

ALAN J. PLADO (Music Supervisor)

TERI ADAMS (Co-Choreography Supervisor)

KIM VANBIESBROUCK (Co-Choreography Supervisor)

ROBERTA B. WALL (Assistant Music Supervisor)

SUE HILL (Costume/Prop Supervisor)

Jeanie Linders (Book and Lyrics)

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For more information visit the MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL website.

Photos courtesy of GFour Productions

 

Ann Boland
Ann Boland

About the Author: Ann Boland

Reviewer Ann Boland is committed to Chicago theater. Involved in the audience since the early 80’s, she’s witnessed firsthand the rise of our theater scene, our exceptional local talent, and the vigor of each new generation.  Ann handles public relations for authors and works on programs to help seniors with neurological movement disorders.  Please visit her website for more information.

Click here to read more Picture this Post reviews by Ann Boland.

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