TEXARKANA, Texas - When four women at Bloomingdale's share symptoms of the great menopausal change while they shop for lingerie, they find common cause and unbridled humor in a situation all women face.
That's a nutshell version of "Menopause the Musical," the long-running and wildly successful musical that celebrates a natural transformation with funny songs of menopause, reworking hits from the 1960s through the '80s to fit a theme of women enduring hot flashes, night sweats and more.
"Menopause the Musical" comes to Texarkana's Perot Theatre for a 7:30 p.m. show on Saturday, Feb. 29.
Local audiences will meet Professional Woman, Earth Mother, Iowa Housewife and Soap Star as they talk about their sex lives and more, together forming a sisterhood bond that's sure to inspire laughter from an audience, men included, and knowing recognition from women.
Actress Megan Cavanagh plays the Earth Mother in the musical parody with book and lyrics penned by Jeanie Linders. The musical opened in 2001 in Florida before Off-Broadway success and tours. It's been running many years in Las Vegas.
"She meditates, she's a vegan, she's pretty happy, but she's suffering from mood swings. And she doesn't understand what's going on with herself because she ends up getting very crabby all of a sudden and the other three women, we all help each other," Cavanagh said of her character and the bond formed between them all. She's been with the show since 2004. "We all have menopausal symptoms and that's what we have in common."
It's through song and humor that they come to each other's aid.
"It's a very fun show. It's 26 songs that are parodies of songs that we knew and loved growing up, like 'Night Fever' is 'Night Sweatin,'" Cavanagh said. "And 'The Lion Sleeps at Night' is 'My Husband Sleeps at Night.' It's very relatable."
She suspects the reason "Menopause the Musical" has lasted so long is that women can relate. They see it multiple times and make it a party. It's an event.
"It just really resonates with women that are going through the change," Cavanagh said. "Men like it too. They always come in reluctantly and they always leave with a smile." They learn something, those men, and enjoy it more than they suspect they would.
"Our job is to make your cheeks hurt from laughing," said this production's Earth Mother, adding, "It empowers women. It's a very empowering show."
It's a realization for women that their best years aren't necessarily behind them. They're in it together.
"We have a lot still to give. Be who you are with your lumps and your mood swings," Cavanagh said. "Just be the best human you can be."
Women thank the cast after the show, saying they've never laughed so hard in their life. Sometimes, they're comfortable sharing perhaps too much information, the actress said. Some of them say it's the first play they've ever seen.
"We do bring in people that aren't necessarily theatergoers," Cavanagh said, who describes the audience as sort of the fifth girlfriend in the show. Because of the relatable subject matter, they're drawn to see the musical.
The women in the show have been acting in it for more than a decade, but this is the first time with this particular lineup all together, Cavanagh said. The roster of actors changes a lot.
"It's a good time. And it's time for a good time. Things are hard it's just great to sort of come to the theater and laugh until your cheeks hurt," said Cavanagh.
To experience that laughter, get your ticket to see "Menopause the Musical," which is part of the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council's Perot Theatre Series.
(Tickets: $48, $38, $28. Get tickets at TRAHC.org or call the Perot Theatre Box Office at 903-792-4992.)