In high school I was voted “Most Likely to be on Broadway” and shortly thereafter moved from my small Maine town of 300 people to New York for college. Nearly every weekend, I’d stand in line to get student rush tickets to Broadway shows. The theater was a huge part of my life. A part I miss. Since becoming a mom, my trips to Broadway have, sadly, been limited to birthday or Christmas presents. So, when I was offered the chance to check out Menopause the Musical at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, I jumped at the chance. 
I invited my mom because she has gone through menopause and therefore could explain the jokes to me and she also loves a good musical. I had no idea what to expect when we pulled up to a corporate park. This didn’t look like Broadway to me; then again, the tickets were free, there was plenty of parking, and I could get home in under 30 minutes. So, I walked through the front doors counting my blessings and picked up my tickets.
The lobby had a fun Menopause the Musical backdrop where you could take your photo, a gift shop with memorabilia including t-shirts about hot flashes, and plenty of bathrooms. It also had a poster with this season’s shows listed: Newsies and Mambo Italiano (a pre-Broadway production) follow Menopause the Musical. All of this made me feel very excited and nostalgic. 
When we sat, our experience took a turn away from Broadway – but in a great way. The seats were comfy and there was dinner! This part reminded me of a more intimate Medieval Times, semi-circle seating around the stage and bread waiting for us. The dinner had plenty of options. We both got the prime rib and baked potato. Then, we ordered one of the many fun, themed drinks. I opted for an “In The Heights” which was a yummy white sangria. My mom chose a “Let Miserables” which was a creamy vodka and orange drink. We ate and caught up before the show. The waitstaff was kind and the food was good. We were intrigued about the specialty shows including a comedy night in mid-April and a St. Patrick’s Day inspired “Rhythm of the Dance” show. 
At this point, we were already talking about coming back. So, we looked up ticket prices. I was pleasantly surprised. Dinner and a Show ranged between $59.00 to $89.00 depending on the performance. If you want to just go to the show evening and weekend tickets are $55.00 and Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday tickets, as well as matinee tickets, are only $53.00. I began to dream about making theater a part of my life again. My dreaming was interrupted at about 7:30 p.m. when the very dapper announcer came to the stage and spoke to us about the show and future offerings, announced the last call for drinks, and then gave the normal theater reminders.
Menopause the Musical started around 8 p.m. and lasted a raucous 90 minutes. Admittedly, some of the jokes went over my head as I haven’t experienced hot flashes or night sweats yet, but all of it was entertaining and my mom couldn’t stop laughing. I was awed by the voices of the four actresses, particularly Donna J. Huntley who played the Professional Woman. The moment that she stepped into the crowd and began to sing only a few feet away from me, I had full body goosebumps. One character, Earth Mother, was very familiar. I looked in my playbill and realized why: she was Marla Hooch from “A League of Their Own” aka Megan Cavanagh. The show is a great representation of how women from different walks of life can so easily bond over common experiences. (Who hasn’t laughed with a stranger over a pair of discount panties at Bloomingdales?). It also reminded me of why I love the theater. It made me laugh and had me captivated the entire time.
So, if you love the theater, make time this month to go see Menopause the Musical. You will be thoroughly entertained, fed well, and there’s parking. Discovering the gem that is Westchester Broadway Theater made me feel like it was possible to go to the theater regularly again. I can’t wait to go see Newsies in April (and to get another “In The Heights”). Hopefully, I’ll see you there!
For reservations, visit their website at www.broadwaytheatre.com or call 914-592-2222.
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