'Menopause: The Musical' comes to River Campus on Tuesday

Menopause may not mean much to most female college students, but "the change" ultimately will happen to most females when they get older.

"Menopause: The Musical" shows the funny side of a time of life that society may consider more serious, since it means growing older. The show, which premiered in 2001, has been performed in 13 countries and in front of nearly 11 million people, according to the musical's official website.

The show's plot involves four women: the Professional Woman, Earth Mother, Soap Star and Iowa Housewife, who are all at a lingerie sale at Bloomingdale's. They all are fighting over a black bra on sale. During the lingerie sale, the women realize they all have one thing in common: menopause.

The show's music consists of popular songs from the 1960s through the 1980s, with parody lyrics that deal with hot flashes, chocolate cravings and nocturnal sweats.

Kathy St. George, who performs in the touring show as the Soap Star, said it was a funny coincidence when she originally was cast in the production in Boston back in 2004 since she had been Susan Lucci's stand-in during the 1980s run of the soap opera "All My Children."

St. George, who has performed in the musical off and on since 2004, said she was hesitant about getting involved in the show despite the fact she had participated in many shows at the same theater.

"I don't want to do a musical called 'Menopause,'" St. George said. "I didn't want anyone to know I was old enough to do a musical called 'Menopause.'"

St. George ended up landing the role and loving every second of being part of the show. She said one of the best parts of the musical is the loyalty of fans. She said that on this tour, there was a woman who came to see the show for the 21st time, bringing groups of friends every time she was in attendance.

Sandra Benton, who plays the Professional Woman, agreed about the fans' loyalty, noting she met another woman who attended a performance and was filled with energy during the show. She greeted the woman after the performance, and the woman had asked the production team if she had time to run out and buy Benton a fruit basket. Benton said she was absolutely floored with the kindness.

"The hardest part [of touring] is moving your luggage," Benton said. "The best part is love and energy of performing."

Benton has performed in the show since 2005, beginning with the stage production in Atlanta, and was part of the Las Vegas production from 2006 to 2010 and then left the show. She started back with the show in 2012 and has been on tour for eight months this year. Benton used to perform as the Professional Woman and the Earth Mother in previous shows. She said both roles were fun for different reasons.

"The Professional Woman is fun because she's trying so hard to keep it together," Benton said. "She's the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. She controls all aspects of her life, besides this [menopause]."

"Menopause: The Musical" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Performance Hall on the River Campus. Tickets range from $39 to $55. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more people. Visit rivercampusevents.com for more information.

Pertinent address:

518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.