From Baby Phase to Empty Nest

MotherFreakingHood

Today, we are celebrating National Mother’s Day; but every Thursday through Sunday, through mid-June, is Mother’s Day at Mercury Theater Chicago’s Venus Cabaret Theater. In an hilarious, toe-tapping tuneful musical, with book, music and lyrics by Julie Dunlap and Wilmette, Illinois’ Sara Stotts, the challenges and joys of motherhood are celebrated with humor. Three smart women of different ages and from varied backgrounds experience everything that being a mother entails. Told through a series of short scenes or episodes, each punctuated by a delightful, effervescent pop/rock song, the two-hour production, including intermission, takes these wonderful women from “Baby Phase” to “Empty Nest.”

Meeting for the first time at their obstetrician’s office (played by the side-splitting Maya Rowe), a trio of mothers-to-be discover what the next nine months will hold. Rachel (Tafadzwa Diener) is hoping and praying that she and her husband will finally be expecting their first baby. Angie (Jacquelyne Jones) is a Type-A personality, with every moment in her life planned in ink. She absolutely knows that she’s going to have a baby girl…because she already has a little boy. Marcia (Leah Morrow), who’s already raised her daughters, isn’t expecting to be expecting again. This slightly sarcastic mama, who softens uncomfortable situations with zingers and wisecracks, learns (to her dismay) that she’s with child—again. Marcia’s plans for a carefree vacation will have to be put on hold for a very long time.

Women, especially those who are already mothers or expecting a baby, really identify with this frothy, funny musical. The Venus Cabaret setting is a perfect environment for enjoying this production, with theatergoers seated at tables and with a full bar at their disposal. I found that I was only one of three men in the audience, the afternoon I attended the show. But, despite being a bit apprehensive about a show about and for mothers, I found the very clever, extremely funny and—may I add—quite educational. The laughter was nonstop, and several scenes elicited whispers from the audience that hinted at their familiarity with the events depicted.

Heidi Van, who wears both Producer and Director hats, has kept this infectious show moving along with a brisk pace. She’s staged in ways that enhance the humor of every situation. Ms. Van wisely uses the venue, continually breaking the fourth wall and blocking her actors to engage personally with the audience, as they dance up and down the aisles. The infectious score, that sports some quick-witted lyrics, is beautifully played by Musical Director Linda Madonia. It includes numbers like “Birthing Wars,” “Ballad of the Post Partum,” “Mother’s Lament,” “Teenage Driver Hellzone,” and a song that is repeated three times for different occasions, “Have You Seen My Baby?” One of the funniest numbers, “Pharmacology,” is about how sometimes a little medication is necessary to get through a day.

The cast of this musical comedy is engaging and terrific. Tafadzwa Diener, who charmed audiences as Lucy in Citadel Theatre’s “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” creates a sweetly likeable character in Rachel, whose journey through motherhood ranges from eager innocence to seasoned veteran. Jacquelyne Jones’ humorous portrayal of detail-oriented, career-driven Angie, gives her character the opportunity to not only experience her own pregnancy and childrearing, but the chance to offer suggestions and help guide new mother, Rachel. And certainly Maya Rowe, who is a fantastic vocalist, is hilarious as the school principal, as well as Everywoman, is an actress I hope to see in more Chicago productions.  

But as Marcia, the actress who truly steals this production is one of Chicago’s favorite comic actresses, the incomparable Leah Morrow. If she isn’t recognizable from her many, many stellar theatrical performances (in such diverse shows as “Avenue Q” to “Murder on the Orient Express”), theatergoers will certainly recognize Leah from her large variety of TV commercials. Deservedly getting her own numbers, “Marcia’s Song,” and “Have You Seen My Baby (No Really),” Leah breaks out from the trio to shine solo. At times Ms. Morrow is reminiscent of Carol Burnett or Amy Poehler, being as equally talented in musical numbers as she is at comedy and drama. Leah Morrow is one of the best reasons for seeing this production.

An excellent way to celebrate Mother’s Day everyday, the Chicago premiere of Julie Dunlap and Sara Stotts’ gleeful, gut-busting musical comedy makes a great girls’ afternoon or night out. Although a lot of fun for men as well, this charming, smart and entertaining adult show brings back memories for parents while it enlightens the uninitiated with the many trials and tribulations that MotherFreakingHood involves. This baby is a real winner!             

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented May 4-June 11 by the Mercury Theater Chicago at the Venus Cabaret Theater, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office or by going to www.MercuryTheater Chicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.