Menopause the Musical is a popular musical comedy that explores the trials and tribulations of menopause through parody lyrics set to classic tunes from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. The original show debuted in 2001 and has entertained audiences around the world with its humorous take on hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, wrinkles, and weight gain. In 2022, the show’s producers released a sequel, Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through the Change, capitalizing on the success of the original.
What is Menopause the Musical 2 About?
Like the first show, Menopause the Musical 2 follows four women who meet at a department store lingerie sale and bond over their shared experiences with “the change.” The characters consist of Professional Woman, Earth Mother, Soap Star, and Iowa Housewife. This time, the setting is a cruise ship rather than a department store. The women embark on a cruise together after Soap Star wins the trip on her soap opera.
As the women adjust to cruise ship life, they lament about forgetfulness, hot flashes, wrinkles, and the other fun effects of menopause. They also poke fun at typically taboo topics like vaginal dryness and sex after menopause. The musical numbers offer a humorous spin on menopause woes while celebrating the empowerment of women supporting each other through this transitional life stage.
What Are the Songs About?
Menopause the Musical 2 features 20 parody songs just like the original show. The tunes are spoofs of popular hits that relate to menopause symptoms and experiences. Some of the numbers include:
- “A Hot Flash in the Night” (“A Summer Place” by The Lettermen)
- “My Thighs” (“Jai Ho” by A.R. Rahman)
- “The Forgetful Wife” (“The Good Wife” by The Sensations)
- “Dry as the Gobi Desert” (“Hot Hot Hot” by Arrow)
- “Menopausal Women” (“Material Girl” by Madonna)
The lyrics take aim at night sweats, weight gain, memory problems, vaginal atrophy, and declining libido with plenty of humor and spunk. While the songs focus on the downsides of menopause, they also celebrate aging with grace, wisdom, and self-acceptance.
What Are Some Notable Songs from the Original Show?
While Menopause the Musical 2 features all new songs, the original production included many fan favorites, such as:
- “Change, Change, Change” (“Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” by James Brown)
- “My Thighs” (“Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees)
- “The Hot Flash” (“Heat Wave” by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas)
- “Only You” (“Y.M.C.A.” by The Village People)
These upbeat tunes capture the essence of menopause in parody form. Their witty lyrics and self-deprecating humor touch on universal experiences that resonate with menopausal women. The songs from both shows have become anthems for navigating midlife changes with laughter and camaraderie.
What Are the Critics Saying?
Reviews for Menopause the Musical 2 have been generally positive, though not quite as glowing as for the original. Critics have called the sequel a “fun, harmless musical,” “clever and full of punchlines,” and “a celebration of womenhood and aging.” However, some felt the jokes were not as fresh as the first time around and the musical numbers repetitive.
Still, most critics agreed the show delivers an uplifting message about embracing menopause and aging. Here are excerpts from various reviews:
“While the jokes sometimes feel recycled, the comradery and girl power shine through.”
“The musical’s campy charm and carefree attitude make it a crowd-pleaser for menopausal women and more.”
“Though not a groundbreaking piece of theater, it succeeds as an ode to aging gracefully and loving oneself.”
How Has the Show Connected with Audiences?
Fans have connected deeply with the humor and humanity of both Menopause the Musical productions. While critics have argued the shows are lightweight, audiences have found meaning in their celebration of women’s experiences. The musicals have inspired women to discuss menopause more openly and positively.
In many cities, the productions have fostered a sense of community among menopausal women. Groups of friends attend together as an act of solidarity and empowerment. Many women even organize group outings to attend the show annually as a reunion ritual. The productions have also encouraged cross-generational bonding between mothers and daughters.
Beyond the theater, the musicals have inspired cruises, conventions, and other events focused on menopausal women. Clearly, the shows have tapped into a common desire among midlife women to connect, laugh, and realize they are not alone on this journey.
How Long Has Menopause the Musical Run?
The first Menopause the Musical debuted in Orlando, Florida in 2001. Originally expected to run for 6 weeks, popular demand kept it going for 2 years. Since then, it has entertained audiences across the United States and internationally:
- Over 1700 productions worldwide
- Performed in over 500 cities
- Presented in 17 countries
- Translated into 9 languages
Menopause the Musical 2 premiered in 2022, proving the original show’s durability and cultural relevance more than 20 years later. The sequel ensures the franchise continues maturing like a fine wine.
What Are the 10 Longest Running Shows in Broadway History?
While Menopause the Musical has found success internationally, it has never had a Broadway run. However, it shares similarities with other popular shows that have had incredibly long Broadway engagements. Here are the 10 longest running Broadway shows of all time:
Show | First Preview | Opening Night | Final Performance | Performances |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Phantom of the Opera | January 9, 1988 | January 26, 1988 | Still running | Over 14,000 |
Chicago | May 2, 1975 | June 3, 1975 | Still running | Over 10,000 |
The Lion King | October 15, 1997 | November 13, 1997 | Still running | Over 10,000 |
Cats | October 7, 1982 | October 7, 1982 | September 10, 2000 | 7,485 |
Les Miserables | March 12, 1987 | March 22, 1987 | May 18, 2003 | 6,680 |
A Chorus Line | April 2, 1975 | April 25, 1975 | April 28, 1990 | 6,137 |
Oh! Calcutta! | February 25, 1976 | March 3, 1976 | August 6, 1989 | 5,959 |
Mamma Mia! | September 18, 2001 | October 18, 2001 | September 12, 2015 | 5,758 |
Beauty and the Beast | March 9, 1994 | April 18, 1994 | July 29, 2007 | 5,461 |
Rent | April 13, 1996 | April 29, 1996 | September 7, 2008 | 5,123 |
These shows have a few things in common with Menopause the Musical beyond their popularity and longevity, such as:
- Jukebox musicals using familiar pop songs like Mamma Mia! and Oh! Calcutta!
- Comedic themes and humor like in Chicago and Spamalot
- Uplifting messages about acceptance and empowerment
While it may never reach the stratospheric Broadway runs above, Menopause the Musical clearly strikes a chord for its niche audience, comparable to iconic shows like Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. The shared formulas for success likely include universal appeal, spectacle, humor, and a feel-good factor.
How Has Menopause Been Portrayed in Other Musicals?
Menopause the Musical stands out as the first musical comedy dedicated exclusively to “the change.” However, other musicals have included memorable menopausal characters and songs over the years. These portrayals often poke fun at menopause as a transitional crisis driving women crazy.
Examples include:
- Mame – “Bosom Buddies” (1966) – Features lyric “just when I thought I was growing a little old and stuffy / You grabbed hold of this bosom buddy”
- La Cage Aux Folles – “Change” (1983) – Has line “No sweat, no perspire / No hot flash to fire”
- Legally Blonde – “Menopause Medley” (2007) – Spoofs menopause symptoms with lyrics sung to pop songs
- 9 to 5 – “Change It” (2009) – Leads perform song fighting over opening a window during a hot flash
By directly confronting menopause as its central theme, Menopause the Musical provides a more nuanced take. While still comedic, it presents a thoughtful celebration of middle-aged women. The sequels ensure the franchise continues bringing laughter and empowerment about menopause to audiences for years to come.
Conclusion
Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through the Change brings back the beloved sisterhood from the original show for a new comedic adventure on the high seas. With an upbeat soundtrack of parody songs about hot flashes, memory lapses, wrinkles, and libido changes, the sequel promises more hilarious musical comedy about the trials of menopause.
While some critics have argued the jokes are derivative, fans have championed the shows’ life-affirming spirit. The productions have fostered communities and conversations among menopausal women. Though not destined for the Broadway history books, Menopause the Musical fills an important niche, combating outdated stereotypes about aging and celebrating women navigating midlife together. The enduring success of the franchise speaks to the universal appeal of its comedic yet empowering take on “the change.”