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REVIEW:  Company Theatre delivers a radical ‘Jagged Little Pill’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Beware that seemingly perfect little Christmas card and newsletter in the mail.  There is often so much more to the story.

One musician with a gift for reading between the lines is Grammy award-winning alternative rock singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette who teams up with like minded Academy and Tony award-winning writer Diablo Cody for Jagged Little Pill the Musical in which Cody went on to win a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical.

Don’t expect to see an Alanis autobiography in Jagged Little Pill, but this ruminating musical rather integrates themes from her songs into a cautionary tale about a family rife with secrets and resentment unavoidably brimming to the surface.

Bobby Atkinson, Dana Sullivan, Todd Merritt and Nikita DaRosa in Company Theatre’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford

Under Zoe Bradford and Sally Ashton Forrest’s keen co-direction, Jasmine Dillon’s pulsating and interconnected choreography as well as Robert McDonough’s agile music direction, Company Theatre continues their 46th season with Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill the Musical live and in person through Sunday, August 16 at The Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts.  It runs approximately two hours and 40 minutes with one intermission and has some mature themes.  Click here for more information, for tickets and here for more information on how you can support the Company Theatre’s Project Stage Restoration.

With music by Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard, an intimate eight piece orchestra delivers synthetic ballads and searing rhythms led by music director Robert McDonough. The setting is as lively and urgent as the musical’s pacing.  Dean Palmer Jr. rhapsodically illuminates Ryan Barrow’s rolling and fold out house-inspired set while projection designer Jack Gruman artistically brings to life a gritty, skewed and occasionally kaleidoscopic view of a Connecticut suburb.  Gruman enhances a variety of locations including a coffee house, office space, a tumultuous storm window, an array of family photos and fireworks. 

The cast and orchestra of Company Theatre’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford

Jagged Little Pill is an intriguing exploration that addresses something that runs rampant in our society.  It is the desire and pressure to be perfect or at least looking that way to others.  The idea did not originate with social media, but it has intensified that desire often to a crippling degree. 

Mary Jane Healy, richly depicted by Dana Sullivan, hides those imperfections in a smug holiday letter alongside the Healy Christmas card, but not ironically, the façade quickly fades in getting to know her seemingly successful family over a one year period. ‘The truth is too hard,’ MJ reflects.

Dana Sullivan and the cast of Company Theatre’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford

Many of the ensemble cast members demonstrate a modern Greek chorus observing and occasionally contributing to the plot skillfully taking on multiple roles or acting as the musical’s conscience.  Some of their messages are unmistakable while others are left to interpretation.   Though the musical is set in present day, it boasts a bit of a 90s flair.  From The Who to Talking Heads to AC/DC to Green Day, Kiera O’Connor sets the musical’s edgy tone dressing the young cast in rock-n roll-inspired 90s grunge costumes including black starred stockings, tied flannel shirts and converse sneakers while the adults are adorned in classic and casual chic attire.

The cast of Company Theatre’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford

Jagged Little Pill dials into a number of social issues including addictions, isolation, coming of age, LGBTQ, rape, marital strife and more while exploring significant and complex relationships. Sullivan brings savvy and intensity to Mary Jane who is easier to grow frustrated with than a source of sympathy, but Sullivan manages to accomplish both as the plot thickens.  Her exceptional expectations are rooted in trauma, exposing her vulnerability in a stirring version of Smiling and later in a chilling rendition of Uninvited boosted by Claudia McMahon as a spiraling lead dancer among other roles.  Bobby Atkinson skillfully depicts Mary Jane’s son, Nick Healy, making it easy to feel the gravity, mounting pressure and clashing intentions with Sullivan’s Mary Jane. 

Nikita DaRosa (center0 and the cast of Company Theatre’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford

 Nikita DeRosa as Frankie Healy and Emma Keane as Jo Taylor are both powerful vocalists delivering a playful duet of Hand in My Pocket.  With tenacity and soaring vocals, Nikita DaRosa as Frankie has no interest in being perfect, but rather longing to be heard.  A passionate activist who was adopted by the Healy family, DaRosa’s Frankie candidly contributes to her family’s reflections in a curt and frank rendition of All I Really Want and an affecting rendition of That I Would be Good with Emma Keane as Jo Taylor and Charlie Solari as mysterious Phoenix.  

Emma Keane and the cast of Company Theatre’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford

Though a few of Morissette’s tunes lose some of its bite in musical translation, Morissette’s You Oughta Know never loses its ferocity, especially within Emma Keane’s steely and stellar rendition.

Though Jagged Little Pill tackles its share of somber topics, it also boasts lighthearted humor in an unexpected version of Ironic, an effervescent So Pure and a sweet and mellifluous duet of Head Over Feet. 

Dana Sullivan, Natalie Spear Claudia McMahon and the cast of Company Theatre’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford

As a massive Alanis Morissette fan dating back when she was a child actor in Canada, Morissette has been open about her battles with anxiety and depression.  Her struggles infuse a unique depth into her resonating rock anthems which expose hidden truths that can make you angry, bring you to tears or both.  Though I do not have the anger I did when I first heard Morissette’s music, she still presents emerging and ongoing reasons to be frustrated with the world.  Some of the musical’s messages can be a little heavy handed because it tackles so much, but her hopeful takeaway always ring true. Be bold, authentic and speak up for what is right even if it is uncomfortable or less than perfect.

Bobby Atkinson and the cast of Company Theatre’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’

The Company Theatre continues their 46th season with Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill the Musical live and in person through Sunday, August 16 at the Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts.  Click here for more information, for tickets and here for more information on how you can support the Company Theatre’s Project Stage Restoration.

REVIEW:  Searing and stunning, Central Square Theater’s ‘The Moderate’ makes a lasting impact

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

To say it is riveting is an understatement.

 The Moderate is sure to alter your perspective on the digital world as much as it impacts each member of this small and likable cast.  Be sure to see The Moderate as much for its engulfing state of the art technology as for its stunning emotional core.

Innovatively designed and directed by Jared Mezzocchi, Central Square Theater continues Ken Urban’s The Moderate live and in person at Central Square Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts through Sunday, March 1.  This immersive production includes graphic and disquieting but necessary content including nudity and runs 80 minutes with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Nael Nacer in Central Square Theater’s ‘The Moderate’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

The Moderate is not shared chronologically which helps to make this production a mesmerizing digital journey from its very first frame.  Rewinding the clock to March 2020, a humble yet determined Frank Bonner, powerfully and evocatively portrayed by Nael Nacer, interviews for a job as an internet moderate while the world is in COVID isolation.

The Moderate packs a lot into its brief and swiftly moving timeframe.  It delves into a wide spectrum of themes including loneliness, isolation, family strife, trauma, the gravity of internet addiction, abuse, the dark web, racism, social media, the raw and exhibitionist side of human nature and the lengths one would endure to provide for family.

Nael Nacer and Jules Talbot in Central Square Theater’s ‘The Moderate’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

We live in an encompassing digital world and it is not likely to change any time soon and this technology is depicted in brilliant and meticulous ways.  The show is wisely served up with no intermission which elevates this production’s immersive and gripping style of storytelling. Captivatingly set up and directed, Christian Frederickson’s robust sound design, Mezzocchi’s Multimedia design, and Sibyl Wickersheimer’s distinctive set design invites the audience into not only into what Nael Nacer as Frank sees, but how each character is experiencing one another digitally and in real time.  You are not just an observer, but experiencing each frame navigating right along with the cast between the digital world and reality.

Nael Nacer and Celeste Oliva in Central Square Theater’s ‘The Moderate’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

This amazing show boasts an impressive cast.  Celeste Oliva is intense and relatable as Frank’s estranged and levelheaded wife, Edyth.  Nacer and Oliva fall into difficult and various misunderstandings and both still manage to remain sympathetic under their strained circumstances.  Nacer’s Frank is darkly humorous, naïve and charming in his frustrations over technology.  Jules Talbot brings a mix of lighthearted and dark humor as Rayne, a young maverick union fellow moderate who offers Nacer’s Frank valuable insight into the digital world.  Greg Maraio portrays Frank’s level headed manager Martin who is all too aware of the difficulty and dangers of their positions and the impact it is sure to have on their lives and Sean Wendelken makes a stunning impression as Gus.

Sean Wendelken in Central Square Theater’s ‘The Moderate’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

However amazing the show’s technology is delivered, what truly sets this show apart is its humanity.  It does have genuine lighthearted and humorous moments while remaining unflinching of its emotional toll and remarkably and honestly lays bare the cast’s individual vulnerability and urge to make a difference. Through this shared experience, you may empathize with what they are going through as well and have a better understanding of our real and unpredictable digital landscape.

Jules Talbot and Nael Nacer in Central Square Theatre’s ‘The Moderate’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Central Square Theater continues Ken Urban’s The Moderate live and in person at Central Square Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts through Sunday, March 1.  This immersive production includes graphic and disquieting but necessary content including nudity and runs 80 minutes with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW:  Love, the illusion and CAKE in Lyric Stage Company’s world premiere of ‘The Great Reveal’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

What is any party without cake?

However, at this gender reveal party in 2020, the cake is part of the problem and striving to make people happy only gets more complicated.

Paige Clark, Arthur Gomez, Antonia Turilli and Jupiter Lê in Lyric Stage Company’s ‘The Great Reveal’ Photo by Mark S. Howard

Directed thoughtfully by Bridget Kathleen O’Leary and Charlotte Snow, Lyric Stage Company continues the world premiere of The Great Reveal by David Valdes live and in person at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, April 27.  If you agree that a party is not complete without cake, there are festive and delicious cake bites available at concessions.  This dramedy is approximately 100 minutes with no intermission and the action is not limited to the stage.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Antonia Turilli and Jupiter Lê in Lyric Stage Company’s ‘The Great Reveal’ Photo by Mark S. Howard

A lit floral arch trellis stands out in Baron E Pugh’s festive scenic design which includes pink and blue streamers, shiny embellishments and gold décor that adorn Christopher and Lexi’s Massachusetts backyard deck.  E. Rosser’s costumes are equally festive and cheerful in sparkling dresses, colorful jumpsuits, zip up Henley, tuxes and casual attire.  Kai Bohlman’s at times ethereal and acoustic sound design lends to the production’s ambiance ranging from the beach to other special occasions.

It is stressful enough hosting a party, but having one during the height of the pandemic is a different story and Paige Clark as high strung and controlling Lexi is feeling it tenfold.  Lexi is fixated about everything looking perfect, especially for social media.  While Lexi is determined to craft the illusion, she loses sight of what is truly important.  However, whatever frustration about illness, exposure, creating perfection online and who to let into their Covid bubble take a back seat to a greater reveal between these two couples.     

Paige Clark and Arthur Gomez in Lyric Stage Company’s ‘The Great Reveal’ Photo by Mark S. Howard

While Lexi is a planner, her husband Chris seems to prefer to go with the flow.  Arthur Gomez as laid back Christopher tries to be reassuring, but is also feeling the strain.  Linus and Dosia are a trans couple and while Antonia Turilli as Linus’s composed girlfriend Dosia was invited to make the cake and is dreading this party, Jupiter Lê as workaholic Linus wants to make his sister Lexi happy, but also has his own reasons for attending.

The Great Reveal has more than a few silly moments which can be a relief from the production’s more serious content.  Gomez has sharp comic timing and shares some amusing scenes with Antonia Turilli who deadpans impressively well.  Clark and Lê share affection, but a stronger sibling rivalry as they struggle to understand each other.  This foursome exhibits a strong rapport and a familial bond well before even becoming family, especially in their quieter moments together.

Arthur Gomez and Antonia Turilli in Lyric Stage Company’s ‘The Great Reveal’ Photo by Mark S. Howard

There are many reasons to not care for a gender reveal party and as a person without children, I am also not a particular fan of them.  Gender reveals can be smug, over the top and may come with a lot of questions about what the future holds.  The show is not without political tension yet focuses more on finding common ground and understanding in divided relationships.  As Turilli’s Dosia often says as part of Dosia’s meditation mantra, ‘Love is a choice I make daily.’  I’m sure sometimes it is daily and other times with people we love, it is a minute to minute challenge.

Antonia Turilli and Paige Clark in Lyric Stage Company’s ‘The Great Reveal’ Photo by Mark S. Howard

Funny, insightful, and relatable, The Great Reveal explores these two couples and all they have been through as their bond is tested.  Through squabbling, sibling rivalry, hurtfulness, pettiness and turmoil, it is important to remember what brought everyone together in the first place and what a meaningful future can hold.  Loving the cake is a start.

Lyric Stage Company continues the world premiere of The Great Reveal by David Valdes live and in person at Lyric Stage Company through Sunday, April 27.  This dramedy is approximately 100 minutes with no intermission and the action is not limited to the stage.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Image Theater’s ‘Lost Cellphone Weekend’ puts an amusing noir spin on a familiar addiction

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Existing without a cell phone is a tricky business.  However, unplugging for a weekend shouldn’t be impossible.

However, it is for many people.  There are those who have their whole lives tied up on their phone from bank accounts to personal history while others have an unshakable habit of constantly finding comfort in that tiny screen.  A cellular phone is the scientific term, but is it really such a stretch that is referred to as a cell phone?  People can be confined to its gaze.

Contemplatively directed by Jerry Bisantz with lighthearted music direction by Ian Chin, Image Theater presents Steve Gilbane’s Lost Cell Phone Weekend, a satirical new musical that continues live and in person at the Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Art Center at Middlesex Community College in Lowell, Massachusetts through Saturday, February 10.  The show is 100 minutes with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Ken Meehan in ‘Lost Cellphone Weekend’ Photo by Britton Boughner

Projections operator John Cipolaro provides the clean and modern set which includes a busy office, bedroom and street while implementing a few carefully placed set pieces such a multitasking bar cabinet, tables, and chairs.  Sound operator Mike Flynn sets the tone with a lively and suspenseful score while Music Director Ian Chin directs an intimate onstage orchestra for the dynamic soundtrack.

Ken Meehan, Casey Moore, and Diane Milesky Meehan in ‘Lost Cellphone Weekend’ Photo by Britton Boughner

Based loosely on The Lost Weekend starring Ray Milland and part metadrama, Lost Cell Phone Weekend takes on a vintage noir vibe, but also stands as a light and humorous cautionary tale that focuses on ad executive Don and his girlfriend Helen who embark on a weekend away to a Vermont Bed and Breakfast.  Unbeknownst to Don, Helen intends to have a wireless weekend without a cell phone in sight.  You bet antics ensue and discoveries are made about this little weekend that no one could have expected.

Ken Meehan as Don Birnham, who may resemble the famous other Don from Mad Men, delivers a charismatic blend of old school charm and quick comedic timing embellished by Gilbane’s quip-laden script.  Meehan’s fast talking sentimentality over a cell phone is over the top and yet curiously relatable.  Wild eyes in a suit, Meehan prowls about the area under a suave façade zeroed in on the one thing that will keep him Connected, which is a particularly catchy number.   Diane Milesky Meehan as Don’s romantic and sensible fiancée hopes this little getaway will rekindle their relationship.  They share some fun chemistry, especially knowing that Ken and Diane are married to each other in real life.  Diane goes wonderfully rogue as she articulates her feelings with the playful ballad, Look at Me.

Phil Thompson and David Hansen in ‘Lost Cell Phone Weekend’ Photo by Britton Boughner

Phil Thompson is a natural as tough and candid bartender Nat.  Tall and lanky with a mix of subtle intimidation and mischievousness bearing a passing resemblance to Clint Eastwood, Thompson as Nat creates a doomed path for the haunting number, The Downfall of Man.

Casey Moore and David Hansen take on a few roles, but Moore is noteworthy as phone whiz Gloria in a red dress and Hansen as a mysterious and silly stranger claiming to be a very busy person.  The cast later puts things into skewed perspective on this resonating topic with the striking number, A Little Poison.

The cast of ‘Lost Cellphone Weekend’ Photo by Christian De Rezendes

Lost Cellphone Weekend is an amusing and light musical comedy experience with vintage flair that comments on that pesky little cell phone habit but beware!  It may challenge you to discover this big beautiful world and those dear to you more often.

Contemplatively directed by Jerry Bisantz with lighthearted music direction by Ian Chin, Image Theater presents Lost Cell Phone Weekend, a satirical new musical that continues live and in person at the Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Art Center at Middlesex Community College in Lowell, Massachusetts through Saturday, February 10.  The show is 100 minutes with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW:  ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ a moving but uneven film adaptation of the Tony award-winning musical

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

A broken arm is the catalyst to much more for Evan Hansen.

Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Picture, Dear Evan Hansen stage musical took Broadway by storm in 2014 by distinctly addressing subjects that are becoming dangerously prevalent in contemporary society.  Dear Evan Hansen delves into difficult territory and is not for everyone, but it is not hard to see why this musical has gained such acclaim. 

The use of social media, the internet, and digital rather than face-to-face interaction due to the pandemic have had people feeling more alone than ever before which has caused social anxiety to gain a greater foothold in our society.  With sweaty palms, a constant stream of over thinking, an overwhelming feeling of loneliness in a crowd, and the pressure to live up to what others expect, senior high school student Evan Hansen struggles with interacting with almost everyone until a chance encounter changes his life.

Based on the Tony award-winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen is available on HBO Max, on DVD, and on demand.  Click here for more information.

The film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen has gained some notoriety among the stage musical’s fans because a portion of the musical’s character driven development is left out of the film.  As one who has not seen the musical, Dear Evan Hansen is a pretty somber musical experience about a tragedy and a lie that ends up having a life of its own as the film progresses.   There are cringe-worthy moments to be certain, but they stem from how deep the rabbit hole of that big lie goes and its inevitable consequences.

What first attracted me to this production was Requiem, a powerful number with beautiful harmony that still stands as my favorite performance.  Kaitlin Dever’s chiming vocals as Zoe carry the poignant conflict and the bitterness of Requiem while still preserving her as a troubled and sympathetic figure.  Amy Adams as Cynthia Murphy delivers a heartrending performance highlighted by her part in Requiem.  However, without a solo number such as A Little Bit of Light as part of this film adaptation, her character has a lack of dimension and less of a sense of what her actual relationship has been with her late son who is lost to mental illness.   Danny Pino as Larry Murphy reveals a compelling and complex relationship with his late stepson, but the film would have been better if the adaptation delved deeper into his character.  Julianne Moore has much more to work with as Heidi Hansen, Evan Hansen’s single mother.  She and Ben Platt as Evan have a complicated, yet caring relationship and Moore shines for the moving number, So Big/So Small.   Amanda Stenberg as overachieving Alana Beck is a fascinating look into another side of mental illness and how people are not so different in Anonymous Anymore.

Ben Platt originated the Tony award-winning role as Evan Hansen and also does a marvelous job for the film.  Though he seems a little old for the role at this point, Platt’s portrayal of Evan’s anxiety is palpable as he depicts Evan’s struggles right from the opening number, Waving through a Window.  His vocals have a soft and introspective quality as he shares his bewilderment and tenseness in attempting to socialize and make friends.  At times he is visibly shaken and some of the mixed signals and missed social cues he reads from others can be painful to watch.  His simple and hopeful delivery for All We See is Sky Forever is a pivotal and bittersweet song and You Will be Found is inspiring and universally-appealing.  Platt also has some awkward but sweet chemistry with Dever as Zoe in the numbers, Only Us and If I Could Tell Her. 

Dear Evan Hansen film is not a powerhouse musical, but is filled with quiet reflections, inspirational messages, and sobering revelations. Much of the film deals with various aspects of coping with life and grief, but it also has scattered humor and a few darkly comical moments in the number Sincerely, Me.  The ending is not delivered the same way as the musical and seems to wrap too quickly.  As one who hasn’t seen the musical, I was less aware of what was missing and seeing Ben Platt’s performance was worth watching.  See Dear Evan Hansen the film for its memorable cast and appealing soundtrack, but hold out for the stage musical to get the entire story.

Dear Evan Hansen is available on HBO Max, on DVD, and on demand.  Click here for more information and here to see the stage musical on Broadway or on its national tour.

Director Matt Silva and ‘Waist Watchers the Musical’s’ cast talks improvising, exercise, and girl’s night out

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

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.

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‘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

‘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.

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‘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.