By KATHY L. GREENBERG | Tribune correspondent
Published: June 10, 2011
TAMPA - Sue Fabisch pushed the diaper-stuffed envelope with her hilarious show, "Motherhood the Musical." Rather than resting her laurels on the usual mommy experiences to get a laugh, the Nashville-based songwriter put some muscle into this baby.
Her riotous and perceptive lyrics, some co-written with Ilene Angel, William Flowerree, Jesse Goldberg and/or Johnny Rodgers, shed a whole new light on Costco, minivans, boobs and, of course, parenting.
Four women at different stages of motherhood share their stories about the toughest job in the world.
In three weeks, Amy (Juliana Black) is due to become a mom for the first time. Barb (Angela Bond) has three kids and zero patience: been there, done that. Brooke (Becca McCoy) struggles with the time constraints of being a working parent and Tasha (Jayne Trinette) deals with the challenges of divorce.
While Amy naively fantasizes about scrapbooking, wipe warmers and cloth diapers, her three friends try to enlighten her to reality: you can do it all, just not at the same time. But as is true for every new mom, Amy doesn't get it until she brings that baby home.
The show starts off strong with Black mooning over pregnancy in "I'm Having a Baby," followed by Bond's bubble-bursting "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy." Trinette reminisced the days when she was cool in a convertible, only to end up towing 17 kids in "Minivan."
Just when the funny stuff was hitting its stride, Fabisch came in swinging with the real emotional impact of motherhood. "I'm Danny's Mom" beautifully captured a nearly indescribable love. You didn't need to be a parent to appreciate the feelings steering this song.
From tears to laughter again, "Costco Queen" was hands down the most creative number. The message here was that a "storegasm" could be achieved through the power of bulk. Michael Schweikardt's set design and Sue Hill's costumes matched the brilliant lyrics, honoring Costco's convenience with bright lights and clever headwear.
Finally, the cast rocked out to "Not Gonna Take it Anymore." This was a highly entertaining homage to classic rock 'n' roll and the multiple uses of household products.
Each all-too familiar scenario could have easily settled into trite comfortability were it not for Fabisch's uncommon wit. She's raised the bar on reality-based humor. At the same time, the serious moments — the ones that justify the torture mothers endure — weren't gratuitous or false. These were genuine, heartfelt nods to a job that's more complicated and less appreciated than brain surgery.
Congratulations and Break A Leg!
