“Waist Watchers” the Musical

Recommended *** I have to admit that placing a rating on the new production at The Royal George ( in the Cabaret Room), “Waist Watchers” the Musical”, is difficult. Question? was there a “Waist Watchers (not a musical) that this is based on? I think not. I think that this is a cleverly done parody on all those women concerned with diets and exercise programs that are seeking ways to retain their youth, and may be perfect for Ladies Night Out, or a Bachelorette Party. Created by Alan Jacobson with a book and lyrics by Jacobson and music by Vince Dimura, this is 90 minutes of workouts and gossip about their sex lives, their jobs, their desires and losing those unwanted pounds. The show is certainly better if you have a drink!

Most married men have wives who know every diet program out there, having tried some ( or in some cases all of them) in order to reach their dream weight , whatever that may be. There are four strong actresses playing the lead roles, and one who is the warm-up person and handles the ensemble portion of the play. Her name is Katherine S. Barnes and she is a delight. With her delightful smile and positive attitude and the ability to change costumes in sheer seconds, she is a delight to watch. Every little movement is adorable and she never gets out of characters, no matter the part she is playing. By the way, she does a mean Viagra Pill!

From the statement above, you can guess that this is a show filled with sexual things as well. In fact the musical numbers you will hear have titles such as  “Botox Queen” ( tune- “Dancing Queen”), “Buffet Line” ( watch Ms Barnes on this one), “Eat It”, “Oops”, “Butt Squeeze” and 18 others including the powerful “Fat & Okay”. They are comical songs for the most part and if you listen carefully ( and have not had many drinks) you will hear tunes that you are familiar with. melodies from Broadway musicals and pop tunes. I guess you can do this in a parody and get away with it. They do use YMCA  written by J. Morali/H.Belolo/V. Willis)and have permission of Can’t Stop Music & Harlem West Music Group”

The four ladies are a perfect mix, looking for the most part just like many of the ladies in the audience. By the way, opening night’s audience was probably 90% female. Makes sense! The lady who runs Miss Cook’s Women’s Gym is Carla ( Kiley L. McDonald is a stitch) and you will love her “Sugar” number and what a box of chocolates can do to steal a scene. By the way, they do get the audience somewhat involved during the show and will have you onstage dancing during the curtain call ( there is no curtain in the workout room). Connie ( the incredible Martha Wash) is the elder of the women and probably needs the most weight help. Sarah Godwin plays Cindy, turning 40 and still single ,and the impressive Krissy Johnson is Cheryl, who is going through a mid-life crisis during this show. I for one thought she looked like someone who would not need to worry about her body at all, but one of the ladies said, that even the best of bodies needs constant upkeep and nurturing, so I stand corrected and apologize if anything said offended Ms Johnson.

Directed by Matt Silva this 90 minute romp is not for everyone, but even the drag along hubbies will have a good time and some laughs. Much of the  choreography ( Dani Tucci- Juraga ) resembles workouts , and the set ( Joe Schermoly) does have a look that allows one to think work-out room.

This is a road company and will be at The Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Street thru November 4th with performances as follows:

Show Type: Musical  tickets range from $45- $65  drinks are allowed in the theater

Box Office: 312-988-9000  or Ticketmaster 800-982-2787

www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com/

To see what others are saying, visit http://www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Waist Watchers the Musical”