Change for the better
Menopause: The Musical’ brings spirited musical observations to Gem Theatre
By K. Michelle Moran
Arts & Entertainment Editor
For most women, the transitional stage known as menopause is hardly a laughing matter.
Until now, that is. “Menopause: The Musical,” at Detroit’s Gem Theatre, is a spirited, 90-minute song and dance romp through parodies of baby boomer songs that tackle hot flashes, insomnia, memory loss and other woes associated with menopause.
Fighting over sale-priced lingerie at Bloomindales, four very different women — Judy Dery as the hippie Earth Mother, Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck as an aging Soap Star, P.J. Jenkinson as the Iowa Housewife and Rhonda Freya English as the go-getter Power Woman — find they have more in common than they could have ever initially imagined as they wrestle over a black bra.
As the women make their way through Bloomindales, they reflect on their physical and psychological transformation through clever, relevant songs; “Chain of Fools” becomes “Change of Life,” “Stayin’ Alive” retains the disco beat even as it becomes “Stayin’ Awake,” “Lookin’ for Love” morphs into the cravings anthem “Lookin’ for Food,” etc.
The off-Broadway hit makes a winning Detroit debut, with a talented cast of actresses who pair solid vocal and dance skills with impeccable comic timing. Vanbiesbrouck and English are particular standouts, but all four stars are feisty and funny, bringing zest and joy to the material.
Women in the midst of menopause, or those who’ve already gone through it, seem to get the biggest kick out of the show, but the musical really speaks to all women.
Menopause itself may leave women in its grip feeling lousy, but “Menopause: The Musical” lifts the spirits with its light-hearted touch. To paraphrase Sheryl Crow, this change will do you good.
See the show
“Menopause: The Musical” is in the midst of an open-ended run at downtown Detroit’s historic Gem Theatre, 333 Madison. Tickets are $39.50. For groups of 10 or more, the Gem is also hosting pre-show parties with fruit, cheese, wine and beer one hour before show time for an additional $10 per person, and post-show parties with coffee and desserts for an additional $7. For tickets or more information, call the Gem at (313) 963-9800 or visit www.gemtheatre.com, or call Ticketmaster at (248) 645-6666 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.