Subtitle: 
The Musical
Total Rating: 
**3/4
Previews: 
November 14, 2012
Ended: 
January 6, 2013
Country: 
USA
State: 
Florida
City: 
Sarasota
Company/Producers: 
PLATO, Inc.
Theater Type: 
Regional
Theater: 
Ramada Waterfront
Theater Address: 
Ramada Inn
Phone: 
941-363-1727
Website: 
platoarts.com
Running Time: 
90 min
Genre: 
Musical Revue
Author: 
Alan Jacobson
Director: 
Kyle Ennis Turoff
Choreographer: 
Kyle Ennis Turoff, based on Kevin Black
Review: 

If you’re looking for a fun girl’s night out, this is one to see and hear, shake your hands and sway in your seat to. Waist Watchers, much like Menopause: The Musical, injects lyrical parody into pop music. All’s in service to a small plot that reveals four gals’ struggles with their weight and how it affects each one’s love life.

In Miss Cook’s Gym, owner Carla tries to invigorate her business with a juice bar on one side, lockers on the other, and in the middle a variety of work-outs she leads. Attractive Jillian Godfrey couldn’t be more energetic, hiding Carla’s struggle to stay in control and project self-confidence. So she easily asks, “Look at Me, I’m Rachael Ray,” as if a TV star.

Newly divorced, Cindy Burger readies pursuit of a new job and, hopefully, romance. Helen Holliday shows how it feels to try to start over by regaining lost looks as well as position in life. Will she take on the role of “Botox Queen” (to “New York, New York”)? The other gals kid her by donning big wax red lips.

Sharon Lesley Ohrenstein as Cheryl Corn is upset about too much sex due to hubby’s constant use of Viagra (to the tune of “Maria”). She’s an awfully game exerciser but sings her wishes Teyev-like: “If I Had a Bagel.” Considering she’s the oldest there, she gets a later surprise that will let her eat one.

”If I Wore a Size Two” is the wish of engaging Cara Herman’s Connie Pizzarelli, whose version is even more like Tevye than Sharon’s. She and her husband are “going through a rough patch” that she thinks she can smooth out by getting the heft out. Her voice remains big despite being unmic-ed throughout.

Despite going through some rigorous exercises at a barre and on mats and with Pilates-type “Big Balls [that] are a Girl’s Best Friend,” do they turn out fat and still okay? Oh, the suspense!

There’s fine accompaniment from unseen musicians. Lights and sound are designed so that everyone is seen and heard without over-amping. Director Kyle Ennis Turoff moves plot and players forward with lighthearted ease.

Cast: 
Jill Godfrey, Cara Herman, Helen Holliday, Sharon Lesley Ohrenstein
Technical: 
Set: Trez Cole; Lighting: Alex Newberry & Ben Turoff; Costumes: David Walker; Music Supervisor: David Ohrenstein; Stage Mgrs: Gary Alen & Alex Newberry
Critic: 
Marie J. Kilker
Date Reviewed: 
November 2012