Two summers ago, Asolo began a
one month presentation, first in the area, of Menopause: The Musical that extended 17 weeks for the
biggest hit in Asolo box office history. Since then, audiences have made the
anything-but-silent passage during long runs in Tampa and a continual one in
its birthplace, Orlando. Sarasota had to have what has become a laugh-along
(and sometimes sing-along) celebration of women sharing with and caring about
each other the rite of past springtime....
And
there's a lot of spring in the gals who bring it to them. They meet as
strangers at a Bloomingdale's bra sale and end up as friends touring a lot of
departments. Most often the ones with a Ladies Room. Christopher Callen, the only return visitor to
Asolo, doesn't look a day older. She thinks she does, though, as the Soap Star
who feels closer to getting retired with every episode. Former Hippy, now Earth
Mother, Suzanne H. Smart hides her hips in flowing dress. Her attempt at exercise elicits one
of the show's funniest parodies: "Puff, My God, I'm Draggin'." Sandy
DeWoody is the
good-natured Iowa Housewife, shopping while her husband's at his convention.
Though she's the one who brings up a constant struggle with weight, all admit
"Looking for Food" while on constant diets. Nadeen Halloway is properly professional as the
Power Woman, who ultimately turns into a Tina Turner-type powerhouse, complete
with definitive song and style.
Though
complaining of "Stayin' Awake" or putting weight on "My
Thighs" while "Having a Hot Flash," the gals end with a
"New Attitude" toward self and each other. Judging from the knowing
cheers, laughs, clapping, it's apparent the women who watch them feel the same
way. Parody softens their complaints while eliciting a chockful of recognition
and permitting "girl talk" Kinsey'd have sanctioned. The show's logo
is of boomer-type chorines kicking it up. It's a fitting depiction of the
cast's vigorous dancing as well as back-up singing and swaying for solo
numbers.
Though
the show is cast nationally by creator Jeanie Linders, local musicians are
employed. Fine performers are: Michael Sebastian, Keyboard and (after National
Music Supervisor Alan J. Plado) Local Musical Director; Jerome Butler, Bass, Chris Bowen, Percussion. Matthew
Parker
operates Sound. Stage Manager for the 90 minute show is Roxanne Fay.