By Liz Eichler
Believe it or not, Motherhood the Musical has a target audience of mothers. Mothers-to-be, moms of young kids, working moms, grandmas–any mom will likely find herself reflected in this original musical, now being produced by Ghostlight Stage Company. Mother’s Day weekend is perfect timing for this show.
The Story and the Moms
The musical focuses on four women. Amy (Mary Patton) is very pregnant. She sings a sweet, idealistic tune and then–wham–it is juxtaposed by Barb (Emily Shimskey), a mom of multiple hellions who is trying to get them out of the house. There’s also Brooke (Marva Williams-Parker), a working mom, and Tina (Maddie Vaughn), a divorced mom sharing custody. These neighborhood friends gather at a baby shower and talk about being moms–and what it has done to their bodies, their sex lives, and their Costco shopping habits. These are not full pictures of these ladies’ lives, certainly, but the show is a tight look at a time ladies focus on passing along maternal advice, reflections, and regrets.
Written in 2010 by Sue Fabisch, there are no references to crafting, wine culture, reality TV, or other things I hear millennial moms are doing these days. A few jokes and references feel dated, but the core message still lands: motherhood is a lot of thankless labor mixed with moments of priceless reward.
Funny, too, how Tina’s mother continually calls, to her irritation. It is a reminder that many of us are so focused on ourselves as mothers that we forget our own moms are still mothering — or smothering — their adult children. (PSA: Be thankful your mom is still around–even if she is into your business. A time will come that you cannot call her anymore.)
Motherhood is a breezy 90 minutes of smiles, laughter, and even some audience singalongs and clapping.
Ghostlight’s Production
What really sells this production is the friendship between these women and their genuine affection for one another. Kudos to director Alyssa Batsakis for setting that tone. Together with set designer Samantha Reno and prop/costume designer Eliana Batsakis, the team has created a kid-focused world, complete with children recording the introduction, kids’ artwork covering the set, and hand-lettered cardboard displays and props throughout the lobby.
The costume choices are spot-on, subtly reflecting each mother’s personality. Janet Langhorst serves as both music director and lively accompanist, ensuring the four-part harmonies blend beautifully. The music ranges from Broadway-style numbers like “Grannyland” to oldies-inspired tunes like “Ode to Boobs,” (when was the last time you heard “K-K-K-Katy?”) with gospel, rock, and more mixed in. Credit also to choreographer Gina Cerimele-Mechley for the lively dancing — and chair moves — as well as the lighting design.
There are high-energy numbers including “In My Minivan,” “Moms on Strike,” and “The Kids Are Finally Asleep.” “It’s Not Happening” gets the biggest reaction from the men in the audience. But there are also tearjerkers, including Barb’s “Danny’s Mom” and Tina’s “Every Other Weekend.” Each performer comes across as warm, funny, and exactly the type of person you’d want in your circle. Barb is the Lisa Ann Walter of the group: blunt, funny, and giving 110% to everything she does. Tina is a bit wistful, but staying strong. Brooke is your ride or die.
The thing that surprised me most, however, was seeing Mary Patton — who gave an outstanding performance in ALT’s Bridge City as both a grandmother and a senator — now playing the young mother-to-be. That’s range.
Overall, this is a well-staged, low-budget tribute to moms for Mother’s Day weekend. Ghostlight Stage Company’s Motherhood the Musical is playing at Essex Studios, which is also hosting an Art Walk this weekend. If you still haven’t made plans with Mom, this makes for a fun, artsy afternoon or evening.
Remaining Performances of Motherhood the Musical
- Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
- Saturday, May 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, May 10 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Ticket link
Location: CASA in Essex Studios, Room 282B
Parking: Free in front of the building and across the street
Post-show discussions:
- Thursday — Cincinnati Chamber of Mothers
- Friday — Cincy Post-Partum
Accessibility Info:
- ADA compliant venue with elevator access to the second-floor theatre
- Braille and enlarged-text programs available at all performances
- Audio-described performance: Saturday matinee, May 9 at 2 p.m.
- ASL-interpreted performance: Saturday evening, May 9 at 7 p.m.
