Since April, Alan Jacobson’s Waist Watchers the Musical, a musical comedy from the production team responsible for You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up, My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m in Therapy, and Menopause The Musical, has been taking a frank and lighthearted look at four women’s struggle with dieting, body image issues, exercise, and much more. Perfect for a date night or a girl’s night out, this musical comedy continues through Sunday, June 25 at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts. Click here for the full schedule and for tickets.
‘Waist Watchers the Musical’ cast Photo courtesy of Playhouse Productions/Regent Theatre
The atmosphere was full of excitement and laughter as the cast and director of Waist Watchers the Musical, having just performed a weekday matinee, spoke about the unique preparation for this show, working with the choreographer of the acclaimed film, Silver Linings Playbook and Hairspray Live, and keeping the show fresh and more hilarious each and every night. Director Matt Silva and cast members Kiley McDonald, Stephanie Genovese, and Krissy Johnson all agree they are having a blast.
Sleepless Critic: Waist Watchers the Musical tackles a unique and sometimes sensitive subject. How does this show balance comedy with working out?
Kiley: We’ve talked about that a lot and how to approach the material knowing about body image and social media. It really takes a toll on women and how they envision what’s perfect. This show does a really good job of making light of everything and reminding us to laugh, accept, and love who you are. Everyone has flaws and trouble with something. That can’t hold you back and rule the choices you make in life.
‘Waist Watchers the Musical’ cast at Cook’s Gym Photo courtesy of Playhouse Productions/Regent Theatre
SC: Waist Watchers The Musical’s choreographer, Dani Tucci-Juraga, was behind the choreography for the acclaimed film, Silver Linings Playbook and Hairspray Live, which featured some amazing dance moves. Did you find learning the dancing particularly challenging?
Stephanie: Dani is fantastic. She is the sweetest woman I’ve ever met, but she is tough. She knows exactly what she wants and pushes you to become a better dancer, performer, and in this case, athlete. There were times when we were sore and complaining and she told us to deal with it and try harder.
SC: What attracted you to this show and these roles?
Matt: I am the orchestrator for this company who had taken on the show. It was out in Phoenix and I didn’t have anything to do with it. I went to see the show and thought the material was cool, acceptable, and empowering for women. The production itself wasn’t all that successful in terms of the talent, choreography, and the production value. I was really excited to take the message, empowerment, and the women’s process and collaborate with them and make it fun. I thought the production was lot of fun, but I thought the show I saw needed a little injection.
‘Waist Watchers the Musical’ cast Photo courtesy of Playhouse Productions/Regent Theatre
SC: The cast has very unique roles to prepare for. Aside from the dancing, what other preparation was involved?
Kiley: We knew right away that we needed to condition our bodies for the show because it is non-stop, 90 minutes of cardio. We would have to sing and dance without a lot of time to breathe. We also don’t leave the stage very often. It took us a little while to get our bodies moving, figure out where to breathe, and where to sing. A lot mental preparation goes into it.
SC: This show features all new and original music by Vince Di Mura. Do you have any favorites that stand out for you?
Stephanie: I love Lazy.
Kiley: My top favorite is The Morning After.
Chrissy: Eat it.
SC: You have been performing this show since April and the final show will be on Sunday, June 25. How does the show stay fresh each time you perform? I understand the show involves a lot of improvisation.
Stephanie: We try to make new discoveries each night. Every audience is different and they react to different things, so every performance stays different and fresh.
SC: You must encounter your share of surprises improvising and trying new things. Any memorable moments that occurred onstage?
Krissy: At this one performance, we had a new sound system. It was the first time using this wireless microphone. The mic cracked and made a loud noise onstage right before one of my lines. It frightened me so badly, I screamed! From that moment to the end of that scene, I could not stop laughing or get my lines out. It was quite amusing.
SC: You all obviously have really snappy chemistry on and off-stage.
Kiley: We are very fortunate to all get along and appreciate each other’s sense of humor.
SC: What is the best reason to see Waist Watchers The Musical?
Stephanie: It is definitely a girl’s night out and one hundred percent campy. It’s a feel good show with lots of laughs. Good clean fun, but definitely PG-13.
Presented by Playhouse Productions, Waist Watchers the Musical continues at the Regent Theatre until June 25. After the Regent Theatre, the show continues its tour in Huntington Beach and Sacramento, California. Click here for further details and for tickets or call 781-646-4849. Group rates are also available at 888-264-1788.