Review of Motherhood The Musical--stop reading and go see it!

As a bit of background, I spent many years living in NY and have seen many, many Broadway shows.  I have also seen shows in London, DC and South Florida.  You see, I really do love the theater!  My best show day included seeing Jersey Boys and Wicked in one day with my mother (note: pre-baby, pre-recession).  I am a tough critic, however, tougher now than ever.  As we know, a night out doesn't come so easy, so we gotta make it worthwhile!

The set

I must admit, I was a bit skeptical about Motherhood The Musical because AML jr is only eight months old and she's my first child, and I wasn't sure if I would be able to relate to the material in the show.  Plus, the producers of the show also created Menopause The Musical...and let's hope I'm a ways away from that point in my life people!  Well, I was soooo wrong...this show is made for pretty much anyone who has children of any age, is pregnant, or plans to have children...I am telling you anyone!  The scene of the show is set at a baby shower for the main character Amy, and along with her three friends in attendance, the show takes you through the baby shower to the birth of Amy's baby to the week after having the baby.  The women are sitting around drinking wine (water and heartburn meds for Amy), snacking and gabbing about topics related to parenting and motherhood.  Oh, and did I mention the theater (Jaeb Theater) for the show is perfect--you sit at your own table with your guests, and can even enjoy a drink during the show.  The Straz Center in Tampa is a seriously awesome venue with five different theaters.

Audience participation for the final number in the show

I could totally envision discussing the same topics the women in the show were chatting about with my own girlfriends, though likely with less singing and dancing (and a bit more wine!  oh wait, we did that before the show!).  Through songs and dances and a lot of comedy, the four friends discuss just about every topic you can think of--Weak bladder anyone?  Anyone love Costco as much as these women, especially since having children?  (me, me!)  Husbands more "in the mood" than you are after a long day?  Grandmas taking over?  Having a tough time as a divorced mom?  Struggling with being a stay-at-home mom, or struggling with working full-time?  Desperately trying to lose the baby weight--from years ago?  Wonder what it will be like when the kids fall asleep (um, awesome)?  What will life be like when the kids are grown?  And what if we just took the day off and let dad and the kids handle meals, laundry, and cleaning (my guess is a messy home and a lot of take-out)? 

Me and three happy friends after seeing the show

I can't say enough about this show.  It's adorable, and I don't use that word often (unless it refers to AML jr or Maddy).  Me and the three girls who attended the show with me unanimously agreed on two things: the show was a blast and we need to do the girls night again soon.  So, as the song states..."hallelujah, the kids are finally asleep--you can make a phone call uninterrupted"...or better yet, break out the bubbly and grab some girlfriends or your husband (he'll laugh too, trust me), go see Motherhood The Musical and prepare to laugh so hard you might pee (yep, I went there).  The show plays in Tampa at The Straz Center of the Performing Arts until August 21 and then moves onto other cities throughout the US.

* I received four complimentary tickets to Motherhood The Musical from The Straz Center of the Performing Arts.