Boston originated musical Monsters! A Midlife Musical Meltdown will hit the stage at The Regent Theatre, 7 Medford Street, Arlington, from Saturday, February 25 through Saturday, March 10; produced by GP Productions, Image Theater and The Regent Theatre. Back by popular demand, Monsters! has continued development and regional productions after a rousing 2006 world premiere in Boston, home to playwright/composer team Gail Phaneuf and Ernie Lijoi.
About the show: "Imagine a visit from your personal demons on your 40th birthday. Monsters! A Midlife Musical Meltdown captures the humor, angst and insight experienced at life’s milestones. Manhattan stock broker Samantha is paid a 40th birthday visit by her domineering mother. Samantha boldly reveals her plans to quit her Wall Street job and embark on a soul-searching adventure. Her mother's reaction stirs up a toxic blend of old insecurities embodied by “monsters”, familiar to us all. In an effort to derail her new ambitions, the monsters drag Samantha into a riotous showdown of wills and determination. A mysterious package and sexy birthday singer skyrocket the antics into a full blown, hilarious mid-life crisis. Charged with energetic music and side-splitting lyrics, Monsters! asks “Have you faced your demons?”"
"Everybody's got Monsters," says Phaneuf, playwright. "They show up just when we are about to try something new. This musical depicts our Monsters singing and dancing, and gives us an opportunity to face them, and laugh at them!"
Following the Boston premiere with CentAstage, Monsters! has had industry readings featuring Broadways stars including Andrea McArdle, Cady Huffman, Joy Franz, Ann Harrada and Nicolette Hart. Most recently Monsters! was produced at The Deertrees Theatre in Harrison, Maine. The current production will feature renowned Boston actress Cheryl McMahon of Arlington, who originated the role of “Mother”.
Performances will be held at the historic Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St. (off Mass. Ave.) in Arlington, from Saturday, February 25 through Saturday, March 10, 2012. Reserved seats range from $20-$30, with discounts available to groups and students. The Regent is MBTA and handicap accessible with free parking in the municipal lot across the street. For show times and to purchase tickets, please visit www.regenttheatre.com, or call the box office at 781-646-4849. For further information, or to listen to sample recordings, visit www.monstersthemusical.com.
