Theater Review: Beef and Boards Menopause the Musical

Menopause the Musical opens at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre this week to the sound of an audience

gone wild. Who knew menopausal-age women (and their menfolk, by the way) could be so energetic and exuberant?

I do now.

Lest you believe only the Red Hat Society ladies like this show, the audience was young, old, male and female.

Four women "meet" each other while fighting over a black brassiere in a sale bin at Bloomingdale's, NYC. Four women from four different lifestyles find they all have one thing in common ~ menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, crankiness, crying jags, sex drive and vibrators all get discussed ~ and sung about ~ in the 90-minute show, which has no intermission, by the way.

Lamenting, laughing and listening to each other about the symptoms transferring them to their golden years bring on songs from the 1960s, '70s and '80s. Lyrics befitting the problems associated with aging explain away their pains, desires and frustrations. "Chain of Fools," Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Puff the Magic Dragon," Good vibrations," "What's Love  Got to do With It?" and "I Got You Babe" are just a few of the two dozen songs revamped for the cause. Short of stamping their feet, the theater-goers gave their stamp of approval to the well known and loved show. And, who could blame them?

Tiffanie Bridges, a veteran of Menopause graces the northside stage with all the freshness of her first performance as Professional Woman in the worldwide phenomena known to middle-age women as true, accurate and hilarious. Chances are if you saw Menopause at the Athenaeum a few years back, it was Bridges who blew you away with her vocals.
Bridges has appeared in the show in more than 40 cities over the past eight years. Also known throughout the Indy area, the powerhouse of vocal talent brings the audience to cheers and tears. With an arch of her eyebrow the soulful singer wins arguments with the other three ladies ~ with a song or two she wins over the audience's admiration. This lady is quickly becoming one of my Designation Singers in town.

Joining Bridges in the quarrelsome foursome is Judy Bridgewater, absolutely delightful portraying Iowa Housewife. Bridgewater brings a naivete required for the role, while still able to sass it up when necessary. Dee Etta Rowe hums along in her role as Earth Mother, giving the holistic approach for aging.

Rebecca Fisher, as Soap Star, debuts at B&B, which is surprising as she rocks the diva role, portraying the shallow, vain television actress with a devilish charm. If this is her first performance at B&B, let us pray it isn't her last.

*Special note: Adult-themed subject throughout the performance makes this an adults-only program.

Bottom Line: Women and men will enjoy ~ equally ~ the hilarious Menopause the Musical at Beef and Boards due to the creative lyrics and fabulous talent.

For tickets, performance times and group discounts, visit www.BeefandBoards.com.
Images: www.JulieCurryPhotography.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for www.GottaGo.us. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com, and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Beef and Boards Announces its 40th Season 2013 features Menopause, Old Lace and Smoke

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, located at 9301 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, celebrates its 40th season with three new shows to its stage and several popular favorites.

 Visit GottaGo.us throughout the season for theater reviews.

Arsenic & Old Lace

Dec. 28, 2012 – Feb. 3 

Kicking off the season is the classic Arsenic & Old Lace. This comedy follows the deadly deeds of two charming elderly spinsters who believe they are rescuing their lonely lodgers by poisoning them and burying their bodies in the cellar. Between their special secret and their brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt, their nephew is in for quite a surprise when he pays them a visit.

9 to 5

Feb. 7 – March 24
Next on stage is the debut of the high-energy hit 9 to 5: The Musical. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, and based on the hit 1980 movie in which she starred, 9 to 5 is the story of three female coworkers who plot to get even with their sexist and egotistical boss – and take over the company while they’re at it.

Menopause, The Musical

March 27 - May 12

Set in a department store, Menopause, The Musical brings four women together who have little in common other than a black lace bra. The ladies make fun of woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges in this production that includes parodies from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

The Sound of Music

May 16 – June 30 

The Sound of Music, follows the adventures of free-spirited postulant Maria as she is sent from the convent to become a governess for seven children of Captain von Trapp in Austria during World War II. With stories and song, she transforms the home and hearts of this rigid family. Adapted from “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers,” with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. 

Smoke on the Mountain

July 5 – Aug. 18 

Summer brings the return of the mega hit Smoke on the Mountain. One of the most popular shows in Beef & Boards’ 40-year history, this musical follows the Singing Sanders Family, who is invited to perform at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church by its new pastor, the Rev. Oglethorpe. Enjoy the “signing” sister June, and all your favorite characters as they perform energetic Bluegrass and Gospel tunes and share stories that will touch your heart and leave you laughing.

Father of the Bride

Aug. 22 – Sept. 29 

Ready or not, Stanley Banks is about to be the Father of the Bride. His daughter has announced her engagement and the preparations begin for a “small” wedding. But as the plans and the guest list grow rapidly, so does the debt – and the stress. Banks is surrounded by caterers, dressmakers, florists and furniture movers, and faces the unthinkable when his daughter calls the whole event off.

Les Misérables

Oct. 3 – Nov. 24

The musical phenomenon Les Misérables makes its Beef & Boards debut. Journey with Jean Valjean as he finds redemption against all odds in the corruption and chaos of revolutionary France. An eight-time Tony Award winner, Les Misérables is the struggle, the score and the story that has captivated millions around the globe. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo. 

A Beef & Boards Christmas

Nov. 29 – Dec. 23

The holiday season is time for the annual celebration A Beef & Boards Christmas. This variety show has been a tradition for more than 20 years, and makes the most of the season, with beautiful music, energetic dance numbers, colorful costumes and stirring voices.
Read review of A Beef & Boards Christmas 2011 here

Website: BeefandBoards.com

Tickets: Call the box office at 317.872.9664 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily (10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Mondays). Tickets for main stage shows range from $37.50 to $62.50, and include Chef Odell Ward’s dinner buffet, fruit & salad bar and unlimited coffee, tea and lemonade.

Images provided by Beef and Boards.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.