DIVORCE THE MUSICAL: BETTER MAD THAN SAD To Hold Workshop At Triad Theatre

Former St. Louisan Ruthe Ponturo stars in DIVORCE THE MUSICAL: BETTER MAD THAN SAD in New York City, along with Parkway Central alum Emily Peterson and Lindsay Naas. Parkway Central alum Dana Wilson is also part of the cast. The workshop production opens Sept. 28 and was co-written and produced by Ponturo.

Better mad than sad. At least that's how Ruthe Ponturo, director and producer of DIVORCE THE MUSICAL: BETTER MAD THAN SAD sees it. With such forthright titles as "God Bless Viagra," "You Were a Whole Lot Cuter When I Loved You" and "If Only You Were Gay," Ponturo spells out the various stages of divorce - denial, anger, grief and yes, wishing the ex had been gay, rather than had strayed - in her new musical workshop production set for early October at the Triad Theatre (158 West at 72nd Street) in New York City. Ponturo, who wrote the lyrics, was assisted by former Alton resident John Thomas Fischer, her co-writer and musical director. The workshop features Ponturo, Lindsay Naas and Parkway Central graduates Emily Peterson and Dana Wilson.

"People get divorced every day," Ponturo said, "not only from husbands, but from their hairdressers, best friends and family members. This is an attempt to put into words and song, the feelings that result from a separation of any kind. That's life. You have to move on."

The workshop production is set for Sept. 28, Oct. 5-6 and Oct. 11-13 at the Triad Theatre (former home of Forbidden Broadway). Tickets are $40. Visit www.divorce-themusical.com for more information.