Review: WAISTWATCHERS THE MUSICAL Celebrates the Struggles and Humor of Managing Your Weight in a World Filled with Temptation

If you struggle with managing your busy schedule, making it to the gym, while you just can't say no to that giant chocolate chip cookie with your name on it, you aren't alone! Under the direction of Matthew E. Silva, WAISTWATCHERS THE MUSICAL with Book and Lyrics by Alan Jacobson and music by Vince Di Mura, takes us inside Miss Cook's Women's Gym where four women share their marital pitfalls, a "little more to love" body size issues, and their weakness for sweet treats. Their universal tales of weight loss struggle amid lives in turmoil will keep you laughing continuously, wishing it could assist you in losing a few pounds of your own during the 90 minutes of hysterics!

In the same energetic and fun spirit as Menopause the Musical, you'll find fun upbeat songs such as "Viagra" and "I Went to the Buffet Line," set to familiar tunes from other musicals and popular songs such as "YMCA." All the while, the lives of four over forty-something women are shared as they dish on food, diets, exercise, friendship, love and sex. The show's topics will appeal to not only women but men of all ages who struggle with their weight, all the while knowing deep inside that each of us is really perfect just the way we are, even if others don't agree with us.

And just who are these four "C" ladies who share their struggles with us? Carla is the gym's exercise instructor, a petite single gal on the prowl who hits the gym just so she can eat more chocolate and ice cream. Energetic Kiley L. McDonald will no doubt ignite memories for you when she finally gives into her craving for chocolate and attacks a box of malt balls kept hidden in her locker, generating such ecstasy that her "I'll have what she's having" moment combines elements of pure bliss only a real chocolate addict would understand!

Cheryl is the tall, shapely blonde most women would love to be, hitting the gym to relieve stress from work and an oversexed husband whose addicted to Viagra is forcing her to exercise just to keep up with his daily need for her attention. Krissy Johnson originated the role of Cheryl in Waistwatchers original Philadelphia production and joined the tour in 2016. Now she is burning up the boards in Los Angeles wither high-kicking energy, generating sympathy for the unintended result of all that friskiness, especially when she figures out how to make her husband pay for disrupting her life yet again.

Perhaps the most familiar character to the most overweight of us is Connie, a larger-than-life woman we first meet wearing a "Sweat is Fat Crying" shirt, hitting the gym for the first time ever in order to feel sexy again. It's difficult to believe Suzanne H. Smart does not lose at least 10 pounds per performance given the non-atop exercise she endures, all the while generating laughs of acknowledgement every time since sidesteps having to join the others on the floor for push-ups or yoga. We've all been there - wanting the end result without putting in the work, wishing there was a magic pill to take away our cravings and cause instant weight loss. And by the end when all the women come out wearing "Hot Mama" shirts, even given her size Smart if the sexiest of them all.

And finally there is Cindy, hitting the gym because she's recently divorced and looking to tone up now that she's single and ready to mingle. Meagan Michelson may have a few extra curves, but now doubt those with food issues wish we could get down to her size! Her goal of finding a new direction comes true when an unexpected job offer ignites a spark of joy that lights up the stage.

At the performance I attended, Sarah Jackson, the swing cast member, welcomed us into the theater by offering a Thighmaster to those wishing to work those muscles while sitting, waiting for the show to begin. It is evident she really enjoys being in the show and her enthusiasm was infectious. I found myself really looking forward to her next unexpected appearance in the musical, with the highlight her salad bar waitress crossing the stage while swinging her bustle-like butt to eh music. So funny!

No doubt this show will resonate with anyone who has sever struggled with their weight or self-image - and I guess that means everyone! Adding to the show's charm is musical direction by Emily Whitaker that allows for so much humor along with great harmonies, with quirky, non-stop choreography by Dani Tucci-Juraga that would challenge the most rampant Jazzerciser to keep up! This woman knows her gym equipment and the unimaginable possibilities they can bring to any workout - and how to keep an audience laughing from start to finish!

"When I first wrote WAISTWATCHERS THE MUSICAL I was looking to create a fun show that people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles could enjoy," explained the show's creator Alan Jacobson. "I couldn't think of anything more universal and topical than food. I truly don't know anyone who doesn't eat it! And people sure talk about and obsess over it. What has given me the greatest satisfaction is seeing how people respond to the show-not only with laughter and pleasure, but how so many people identify with the struggles, and are inspired to lead healthier lives. And to me, that is what theater is all about."

Dana Matthews & Playhouse Productions proudly present, WAISTWATCHERS THE MUSICAL by Alan Jacobson and Vince Di Mura on the Debbie Reynolds Mainstage at the historic El Portal Theatre in the NOHO Arts District, North Hollywood, CA. This one-week only special engagement is being presented February 28 to March 4, 2018 with performances on Wednesday at 3 pm, Thursday at 3pm & 8 pm, Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 3pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $45 to $65. Group discounts available. For tickets and information please call 818-508-4200 or online at www.elportaltheatre.com

If you miss it in NoHo, check out the show's website for future shows in Upland, CA and Lakewood, CO. http://www.waistwatchersthemusical.com Keep checking for additional cities to be added, and be prepared to laugh off a few pounds!

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