There have been several shows recently, such as The Vagina Monologues and Breast Wishes, with great appeal to women. But nothing has hit the spot quite so directly and so life affirming for women as Menopause the Musical. One report said of an audience of 600, only eight were men, but they thoroughly enjoyed the show too. Red Hat Society members have been regular attendees at the Q.

Menopause the Musical comes to the Q Theatre in a refreshed production with a totally new cast. International Director, Patty Bounder has worked to make the show more aligned to the overseas productions, while keeping the Australian flavour.

Four women meet by accident in a department store; Power Woman, Dubbo Housewife, Earth Mother and Soap Star. They quickly discover a bond in that they are all either approaching, going through or have recently gone through, “The Change”. Over 25 great popular songs such as ‘The Great Pretender’, ‘Only You’, ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’, and ‘I will Survive’ are parodied and given new lyrics as the four leads sing loud and strong.  So ‘Puff, the Magic Dragon’ becomes ‘Puff, My God, I’m Draggin’.

The show’s author, Jeanie Linders who attended the recent Melbourne opening night, says it is a celebration. It’s often stated the show was inspired by too much red wine and a hot flush, she remembers standing in front of the fridge singing ‘Hot Flash’ to Rod Stewart’s ‘Hot Legs’.

More than just about what happens during menopause, it explores the whole range of issues facing women over 40.

Woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges are all confessed and made fun of. Often considered something to be kept secret, the show’s message is that menopause is a passage for all women, but that it should no longer be a silent passage. My friends who’ve been have all said there was a wonderful sense of sisterhood with audiences recognising and indentifying with the issues.

So if a night of celebrating and empowering women, done with great hilarity, dance and song, in a theatre full of women sounds like fun, and you’ve somehow managed to miss it so far, don’t miss it at the fabulous Q Theatre.

Menopause the Musical is showing at The Q Theatre, 253 Crawford St, Queanbeyan.
Bookings 6298 0290. Tues 2nd to Sat 6th February 2010, 8pm $39, $44, $49. Thur & Sat 2pm $39.

Menopause the Musical at the Q