Menopositive! Is positively hilarious

By Darlene Shea
The Journal-Pioneer
Wednesday, September 26, 2001

They saved the best for last. The most enjoyable theatrical experience of the Island's 2001 season for me was a production staged at the Victoria playhouse for these last two weeks of September.

And the power behind this exceptional night of laughter and music was fueled by four bundles of talent - namely Catherine McKinnon, Marlane O'Brien, Virginia O'Brien and Pam Stevenson.

The four actress-singers presented the musical, Menopositive!, last week (Sept. 18-23) and will continue this week (Sept. 25-30) in picturesque Victoria-by-the-Sea.

The story centers around, you guessed it, menopause, which I didn't realize was such a funny subject until the other night. The plot involves the reunion of these four former high school buddies from the class of '63 to create a musical revue for the high school's 35th anniversary. All four are approaching 50... and the "m" word.

Produced by Marlane O'Brien's own company One Ear Up Productions, this adaptation of J.J. McColl's comedy is performed wonderfully by these veteran actresses.

As I enjoyed the mirth happening on stage, I considered how fortunate we are in this tiny province to have such a pool of female talent to draw from, especially McKinnon and Marlane O'Brien.

McKinnon's character Zsu Zsu, a Hungarian cleaning woman, was the highlight of the show, and Catherine pulled it off superbly, maintaining the Hungarian accent throughout, even in her musical numbers.

Besides her ever-captivating voice, her comedic talent was exercised to its fullest.

Although McColl has to be given credit for the hilarious lines, which included some funny, mistranslated English phrases by the Hungarian character, it was the antics of these four that had the audience holding their sides in fits of laughter.

One scene depicting a meeting of the menopositive association allowed Stevenson and the O'Brien sisters to really show off, much to the delight of the viewers.

Menopositive! The musical, is positively one of the best and funniest productions the Victoria Playhouse has ever staged. It's a sham it will only be here a few more nights, so do try to get out to see it. You won't be disappointed.

All performances are at 8 p.m.