Note: Writing a blog is a new adventure for me. So . . . I’m going to begin by writing an article about the Visalia Players upcoming production just as I would if I were writing for an on-line magazine. We will see if that “works” to promote our community theatre productions as intended!
Here goes:
Following on the heels of the Visalia Players successful fund raiser, A Night in Vegas, and the very popular cabaret, Copper Creek, is the hilarious musical Hot Flashes. Ageless in popularity, Hot Flashes focuses on the age-related condition of menopause in a very comical and entertaining fashion.
Hot Flashes was originally produced by the Visalia Players in 2010, directed by Gary Benjamin and Sylvia Tejerian Garoian. Reprise Director Susan Mathews emphasizes the debt she owes to Benjamin and Garoian for their creativity and success. “I decided to direct the show due to its original success.” Mathews notes that coming out of the COVID pandemic, our communityneeds entertainment and joy.
Mathews also credits Benjamin and Garoian with many of the ideas that shape and form the characters. The play’s authors provided flexibility for directors in determining the number of women to cast in the show. Benjamin and Garoian decided to use four women to depict the challenging and comical adventures of an all-women band as they age from 40-70. Mathews has followed suit.
Musical Director Marguerite Crownover has used her considerable talent to increase the vocal harmonies in the many familiar and original tunes that support the show. Please note that while the melodies of such favorites as I am Woman, Memories, and In the Mood will cause numerous audience members to reminisce, the lyrics are decidedly different and intended to amuse and delight.
Thanks to the talented women who compose the cast, the choreography of the production has been expanded. Karen Simpson (Kate), Debra Hansen (Marvella), Lori Pasion-Gonzales (Lori), and Susan Mathews (Sharon) have worked tirelessly to create a show full of movement as well as soaring melodies.
Yes, that right, Mathews has not only taken on the responsibility of directing Hot Flashes, but is also reprising her role of Sharon from the original production. This has been a particularly arduous task as the current production of Hot Flashes was initially scheduled for 2020 and had to be rescheduled due to COVID. Keeping the cast/musicians/crew intact and supplemented as necessary has been difficult.
Mathews has taken it all in stride. “I’m very fortunate to have Marguerite as my second set of eyes while I’m on stage. The cast has been very supportive and easy to direct.” Simpson was also a member of the original cast and noted the challenges of reprising her role. “I’m familiar with Kate, but the addition of harmonies and choreography have had the effect of creating a new experience. It’s a very different production.”
Hansen and Pasion-Gonzales are new to the show and having a wonderful time. Hansen relishes Marvella as an aging rock and roll chick who “wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Pasion-Gonzales has a great time with new lyrics to I am Woman, but identifies her favorite number as the Country Western, Break Up Break Down.
The supporting instrumentation includes Crownover on keyboard, Chris Haberman on bass, Susi Youngs on drums, and Sandy Manes on piano. As if being musical director and playing keyboard weren’t enough, Crownover also has a minor role as Jeannie.
Reprising his original duties from the 2010 production, Haberman is the announcer and Father O’Weissberg, as well as a musician. Haberman expressed sadness and joy at being a part of Hot Flashes. “It’s sad because in the original show Gary was our drummer, and it’s joyful because the show is just as hilarious today as it was then. It’s just what everyone needs.”
No show is complete without a backstage crew, and Hot Flashes is no exception. Supporting the production are Brent Iden, sound design, Alyson Cook, sound technician, Keith Lindersmith, lighting design, and Jeff Smith, set design. Mathews gives credit for costume design and construction to Barbara Cooke (the designer in 2010), Mary Anne Smith, and all the cast members. “They really pitched in and helped everything come together.”
Hot Flashes opened at the Ice House Theatre at Race and Santa Fe in Visalia on Friday, October 29 and will run the next three weekends with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on 11/5, 11/6, 11/12, 11/13, 11/19, and 11/20, and matinees at 2:00 p.m. on 11/7, 11/14, and 11/21.
To purchase tickets, visit our website at www.visaliaplayers.org, visit our Facebook page “Visalia Community Players”, or call 559-734-3900.
If you have managed to read this far, you are entitled to a reward! To purchase two tickets for the price of one, enter BLGHFL in the Have a code? box on the Buy/Redeem Tickets Reservation page via the Players website Ticketing information page, or mention the code when calling our reservation line 559-734-3900, or purchasing your tickets at the theatre.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
