Review: MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL at Anchorage Concert Association

Looking for the perfect outing for Girl's Night? GFour's production of Menopause the Musical, presented by The Anchorage Concert Association is it. Celebrate "The Change" with this comedy directed by Seth Greenleaf, and written by the hilarious Jeanie Linders.

A sales at Bloomingdales brings together four characters: a Earth Mother (Megan Cavanagh), a Professional Woman (Linda Boston), a Soup Star (Patti Gardner), and an Iowa Housewife (Teri Adams). The unlikely group of women share their menopausal struggles by singing and dancing to parodies of popular songs of the past. There is no more to the plot than this. Funny thing: it turns out some plays don't need a plot. This show is purely about fun.

I was not sure what I'd encounter when I attended the performance last Wednesday evening. Several friends said they were in hysterics. Though I never reached that point, I get where they were coming from. Menopause is filled with over-the-top comedy that takes a while to get into. But when you get into it, it's a fun ride. The energy never stops. Each actress gives a great performance, and genuinely seems to be having a ball. They all shine. Cavanagh's (you may remember her from her stint on Home Improvement as Al's girlfriend, Trudy) performance of "Drippin' and Droppin'" started the laughs. Adam's performance of "Good Vibrations," had the audience gasping for air. Boston highlighted her strong voice and humor in "Great Pretender." Garder's sexy reprise of "I'm Flashing," was another highlight.

Though I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I can't say I'd recommend this performance to everyone. Audience members who are not part of the target demographic may see jokes flying over their heads.

Menopause the Musical is playing in the Discovery Theatre at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts now through April 8th. Dance on over to centertix.net to get your tickets today!