Menopause The Musical - Smithtown Performing Arts Center | 3.22.25
Smithtown Performing Arts Center is currently producing the Off-Broadway and Las Vegas hit “Menopause The Musical” from March 15 to April 6. The musical is about 4 women comedically exploring and discussing the symptoms of their respective changes in life - if you catch my drift - and it is an absolute delight! This production features some bonafide heavy hitters from the Long Island theater scene; Tiara Solorzano as the Professional Woman, Debbie D’Amore as the Earth Mother, Erica Giglio-Pac as the Iowa Housewife, and Christina D’Orta Muens as the Soap Star.
I challenge you to not smile and laugh the entire show! Its truly that good. In terms of storyline and plot, there isn’t much to report. The entire show essentially takes place at a local Bloomingdale’s where everyone is shopping for lingerie, but don’t think that there isn’t anything to see! “Menopause” delivers show-stopping songs that you are sure to recognize with parodied lyrics that will have you smiling from ear to ear! Vocally, this cast knocks it out of the park. As silly as some of the lyrics are, these ladies deliver each number so well that you could imagine hearing these songs on the radio just as they are.
The show kicks off with Solorzano and D’Amore leading the charge on “Change, Change, Change” (which was to the tune of Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools”) and sets the tone for the evening nicely. Right off the bat you know what you’re in for with this show - delightful vocals and tons of laughs! D’Orta Muens kept that trend going when she gave us numbers like “Hot Flash” (also known as “Heat Wave” by Martha and the Vandellas) and “Please Make Me Over” (aka “Don’t Make Me Over” by Dionne Warwick). It is always a pleasure to see her on stage and this was no exception!
Another clear standout moment came from the massively talented Giglio-Pac when she sings “My Thighs” (a parody of “My Guy” from Mary Wells) - her powerful voice and incredible stage presence is on full display! I was sitting in the balcony and could see every facial expression she made and I was laughing and smiling the entire time. She is so animated and entertaining that it’s difficult to take your eyes off of her! As an ensemble, these ladies work wonderfully together. I especially loved “I’m No Babe, Ma” (parody of “I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher) and “New Attitude” from Patti LaBelle at the end of Act 2.
I certainly can’t wrap things up without shouting out the creative team as well. Director Susan Jeffares (which I think is a new name for me!) clearly understood the comedy of the show and all of is nuances and led this production to the rousing success that it is. Kevin Burns served as Associate Choreographer alongside Samantha Free’s Music Direction (what a pair these two are by the way; if you remember last summer’s “Newsies” here at Smithtown, then you know these two!) rounded things out perfectly. The choreography was fun and engaging with everyone looking great doing it and Free’s music direction is always superb.
By the time the show was over, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much! Male or female, there are laughs here for everyone…I promise! This is yet another Long Island theater production that you don’t want to miss. “Menopause The Musical” closes on April 6 and tickets can be purchased by calling the box office or visiting their website at smithtownpac.org.
Cast:
Tiara Solorzano - Professional Woman
Debbie D’Amore - Earth Mother
Erica Giglio-Pac - Iowa Housewife
Christina D’Orta Muens - Soap Star
Creative Team:
Director - Susan Jeffares
Production Stage Manager - Dorothy Haszinger
Associate Choreographer - Kevin Burns
Musical Director - Samantha Free
