Menopause The Musical®

Hot flashes. Mood swings. Wrinkles. Weight gain. And a whole lot of laughter. The international hit Menopause The Musical® comes to Sanford Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m., bringing its hilarious and heartfelt celebration of women, friendship and “The Change” to the SPAC stage. For more than two decades, Menopause The Musical® has turned a once-taboo topic into an exuberant celebration of female friendship and life after 40. What began as a grassroots phenomenon has grown into an acclaimed touring production that reminds audiences there’s plenty to laugh about — and celebrate — at every stage of life. The story begins in a department store, where four women meet while competing over a black lace bra at a lingerie sale. They soon discover they have much more in common than their taste in undergarments. Through jokes, songs and plenty of knowing glances, the women bond over hot flashes, mood swings, wrinkles, weight gain, memory loss and the many other indignities and surprises that come with menopause. Before long, four strangers become a sisterhood — and invite the audience right along with them. Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, Menopause The Musical® was created to celebrate women who are approaching, experiencing or have survived “The Change.” The laughter-filled, 90-minute production features clever parodies of classic pop hits from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, with audiences often singing — and dancing — along. More than simply a musical comedy, the show helped bring menopause out of what was once called “The Silent Passage,” creating a shared experience where women can recognize themselves, their friends and perhaps even their mothers and daughters in the characters on stage. The acclaimed national touring production is produced by GFour Productions, whose productions have earned 56 Drama Desk Awards and 49 Tony Awards®. National touring comedy celebrates women, friendship and “The Change” Tickets are $39-$75, plus a $3 per-ticket handling fee, with a 10% discount for seniors and military and a 15% discount for subscribers. For tickets and information, visit sanfordpac.org or call the SPAC box office at (207) 206-1126. The box office is also open in person Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.