Menopause The Musical

Four women walk into a department store as strangers, and walk out as friends. That is the setting of the show Menopause The Musical, which takes place at a lingerie sale in New York City. How do these women bond with each other? Through the shared trials and tribulations of menopause.

There's an Iowa housewife, a businesswoman, an earth mother and a soap opera star. These ladies have nothing in common until they realize they're all going through the "change of life." They then chat, sing, and dance their way into becoming friends; all while creating their own versions of some of the best hit songs we all know and love.

Last month was my second time seeing the show here in Las Vegas and one of the reasons I love this show so much is that it's like therapy. We've all heard of retail therapy, well Menopause The Musical is laughter therapy, friendship therapy, and music therapy all rolled into one. To be able to laugh at something that can be as uncomfortable as menopause and aging reminds us that we can laugh at almost anything. 

The performers who play these characters endear the audience with their talent and commitment to their roles. The teamwork is evident in their interactions with each other and their execution of physical comedy, which for me is another outstanding aspect of this show. 

Photo of flyer for the show

Here in Las Vegas there's a special guest star who pops in and out of the show that is familiar to most Americans and plenty of international visitors as well. It's the actress Cindy Williams, who adds a little extra zest to the cast with her comedic appearances in the production. Yes, it's that Cindy Williams, from the TV show Laverne & Shirley and author of the book Shirley I Jest! 

Jacquelyn Holland Wright as the soap opera star is a combination of sexy and strong but also playful and funny. Jacquelyn has graced us here in Las Vegas with her talent for many productions before this. Some were Mamma Mia, EFX, Best Little Whorehouse, and Divorce Party, the last two of which I wrote about her in, which is how we met.

Lisa Mack, the businesswoman, has powerful pipes and attitude! She joined the Las Vegas cast in 2010 and performed with the show in other cities before that. She occasionally goes out and joins a performance of an MTM show in other cities and countries, as do the other cast members. 

Laura Lee O'Connell, the Iowa housewife, is an astute physical comedian whose facial expressions alone are a laugh inducing highlight of the show.

Vita Corimbi, the earth mother, has been with the show since its Las Vegas run began about 15 years ago, and is a strong anchor who embodies the part wholeheartedly. I saw Vita perform last year. This time the understudy performed, Cherity Ellen Harchis. They each do the character differently but with equal success. Vita's interpretation is earth mother/hippie and Cherity is more eclectic earthy, but not as mother-ish. I was pleased to see there was an understudy this time because I like it when an understudy is used as it changes up the rhythm just a little. I also like to see the interpretation different actors bring to the same role. By the way, Cherity understudies all four roles in the cast.

As far as the music goes, which is a huge part of the enjoyment of the show, I loved the disco medley where "Staying Awake" was a spoof of "Staying Alive," and all about middle aged insomnia. The choreography on that is great too, as it is with all of the numbers. I also like how they all take turns singing lead but together a lot too, weaving their voices in and out of different songs all throughout the show. 

Jacquelyn's parody of "Beauty is Only Skin Deep," while her character sits at the make up counter, is hilarious and highly relatable. Jacquelyn also sings a sultry rendition of "Tropical Hot Flash"  which is derived from Marilyn Monroe's version of "Heat Wave."

Cindy Williams performs with hilarious effect, "My Thighs," a spoof of "My Guy," while bemoaning what to do with hers, and their ever changing shape.

The Las Vegas production is the longest running musical in Las Vegas history. It runs eight shows a week at Harrah's. Menopause The Musical was written by Jeanie Linders and originally performed in 2001 in Orlando. Since then the show has been performed in several cities and several other countries in at least five languages. 

Menopause The Musical is the perfect cocktail of humor, music and sisterhood! 

Karen Wendt and I (top) with Cindy Williams (center), 

Jacquelyn Holland Wright, (right) and Cherity Ellen Harchis, (left).

Anna Wendt Copyright 2018