Menopause Heats Things Up at Laguna Playhouse - Review
Celebrating its Silver Anniversary, 'Menopause The Musical' Heats Things Up While Keeping You Cool at Laguna Playhouse.
You might have noticed I’m not exactly the target demographic for, “Menopause The Musical.” Still, with the show celebrating its silver anniversary and playing through July 26, 2026, at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, CA, curiosity had me settled in for a matinee.
While I have no firsthand experience of, “the change,” it was imminently clear that much of the audience did. Judging by the laughter this milestone production continues to strike a chord with generations of women who have survived second puberty with their sense of humor intact.
The sadist in me was mildly disappointed the playhouse did not adhere to my suggestion of shutting off the air conditioning every 15 minutes, turning it into an immersive experience. The capitalist in me was extremely baffled to discover they were selling, “Hot Flash Fans” for charity while refusing to “adjust” the thermostat to help boost sales…talk about a missed opportunity.
Set entirely in a big name department store beginning in the lingerie section, the musical follows four strangers brought together while hunting for accessors and unmentionables as they quickly discover they share far more than shopping frustrations in common. This quartet swap stories about hot flashes, mood swings, wrinkles, weight gain, medication and everything else menopause throws their way. Before long they’re bonded by shared experiences via song parodies.
The cast I saw for the first half of the run (July 14-19, 2026) features Anise Ritchie as the Professional Woman, Adrianne Hick as the fading Soap Star, Ingrid Cole as the free-spirited Earth Mother and Teri Adams as the lovable Iowa Housewife, doing double duty serving as Choreography Supervisor as well. Together they create an energetic ensemble that keeps the comedy moving while embracing the show’s affectionate celebration of womanhood with repeated trips to the restroom.
Much of the fun comes from the clever parodies of classic hits from the 1960s, 70s and early 80s. Familiar melodies are given witty new lyrics about hormone swings, memory lapses, being babied by their elderly mothers and everything in between, making it nearly impossible not to smile as recognizable tunes take on what appeared to be hilariously relatable new meanings.
The production value are far stronger than anticipated for a multi-use, single set. Under the direction of Seth Greenleaf, the show moves at a brisk pace, allowing every gag and musical number to land. The colorful, versatile Art Deco-inspired department store set transforms an everyday shopping trip into the ideal backdrop for the action. Music Supervisor Alan J. Plado keeps the show's infectious score humming while Audio Supervisor Caleb Spivey delivers crystal-clear sound, ensuring every lyric and punchline is heard. Lighting Supervisor Aaron Gibson bathes the stage in warm, vibrant looks that add energy and polish throughout the performance.
Behind the scenes, Stage Managers Heather M. Brose and Kimberly L. Simari keep everything running seamlessly while Production Manager Lauren Schwartz and Production Coordinator Kevin Patterson help maintain the slick, professional presentation that makes this anniversary production shine.
Created by Jeanie Linders, “Menopause The Musical,” has entertained more than 17 million people worldwide over the past 25 years as well as collecting well over a $1 million for charity. It’s easy to understand why. The show isn’t trying to reinvent musical theater. Instead it offers 90 minutes of unapologetic, infectious nostalgia and plenty of laughs for 50 percent of the population while celebrating an experience millions of women continue to share.
I may not be the intended audience but judging by the standing ovation, the women who are wouldn’t have wanted to spend their afternoon anywhere else, especially in a perfectly air conditioned building during a Southern California heatwave.
“Menopause The Musical,” runs at the Laguna Playhouse from now through July 26, 2026. The second leg of the run (July 21-26, 2026) will will feature Mary Louise Lee as the Professional Woman, Stacey Harris as the fading Soap Star, Roberta B. Wall as the free-spirited Earth Mother and Lumza Ortiz as the lovable Iowa Housewife.
To purchase tickets for “Menopause The Musical,” at the Laguna Playhouse visit: http://lagunaplayhouse.com/events/menopause-the-musical/ or call the box office at: +1-949-497-2787.
Laguna Playhouse is located at:
606 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
3.75 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐¾