Run Oregon loves running – that’s no surprise. But we also love the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer. Running is a part of us, but it does not fully define us. In our new “Make a Day of It” feature, we aim to showcase some great local non-running events and highlight where to run and how to make the most of your experience!
The next installment of this series is Menopause the Musical, a witty comedy showcasing things women endure (with grace):
I love musicals. If I could choose any career in the world, I would want to be a medical doctor or an actress that stars in musicals. Serious stuff, this is not a joke. When I found out Menopause the Musical would be in my city, Eugene, on April 22 thru April 24, I was jazzed! Eugene has amazing venues for live theater, especially the Hult Center, where Menopause the Musical will be showing. The Eugene tour will occur Friday, April 22 through Sunday, April 24, 2016.
Presented by GFour Productions, Menopause the Musical has been receiving rave reviews for attendees ever since it first showed up in stage, a whopping 14 years ago!
Here is a brief synopsis of what we can expect:
“Set in a department store, four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra on sale, come to find they have more to share than ever imagined. The cast makes fun of their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges. A sisterhood is created between these diverse women as they realize that menopause is no longer The Silent Passage, but a stage in every woman’s life that is perfectly normal!”
We did a brief email interview with one of the cast members – Ingrid Cole who plays “Earth Mother”. Here is her bio:
Ingrid Cole is a critically acclaimed actor/singer based in Atlanta, GA. In 2010 and 2012, she was honored with a Suzi Bass Awards for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for A Catered Affair at the Aurora Theatre, and for her portrayal of Rose in Gypsy with the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. She has toured the US extensively with Menopause the Musical. Other regional credits include Matron Mama Morton in Chicago, See What I Want to See (Suzi Bass Award for Best Ensemble and Atlanta Theatre Fan Winner Best Actress in a Musical) Music Man, Grand Night for Singing (Curtain Up Award Best Actress in a musical) The Medium, Into the Woods, Fiddler on the Roof, Call Me Madam, Ragtime, Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe, The Mikado, Cinderella, A Funny Thing Happened…Forum, and Nunsense.
Run Oregon: What is the preferred workout of cast members if you could only chose one?
Ingrid Cole: Definitely walking. Our schedule is busy as we travel from city to city on tour but we always try to make sure we get walks in.
RO: Do you enjoy working out outdoors? If so, do you have a favorite spot, or a “must run/hike” trail to share?
IC: Yes – My personal favorite is hiking the trail at Neil Creek Park in Ohio.
RO: Do you wear an activity tracking device? If so, do you find on show days you get more activity than non-show days recorded? On that note, how much activity do they get during the course of a show?
IC: Yes, and I definitely get more activity than on non-show days. We’re always on the go. My FitBit tells me it’s more than 3,000 steps. Add that in with all the singing and it’s a decent workout!
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If you are coming into Eugene to view the show – heck, even if you live in the area – be sure to check out my top places to eat and drink in Eugene. I’m still trying to figure out where Bryan and I will go before the show, but I’m betting Marche or Hop Valley will be top contenders.
Coming in for the day, or staying the night and need to get a run in? Besides the popular Alton Baker Park multi-use paths along the Willamette River, I am a huge fan of the paved and trail paths at Dorris Ranch. The travel time from the Hult Center to Dorris Ranch is 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
I’m bringing my husband, Bryan. He says he is excited to see it – but not as excited as me! Thankfully I am about 10-ish years away from this period in my life, however, always the researcher, any information (whether it be via a musical or medical professional) I will gladly take! Us ladies gotta get prepared – and stick together!
Tickets are $52 to $79.25 to Menopause the Musical. Four show are available:
Friday, April 22, 2016 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 2:00 PM
GIVEAWAY
Run Oregon is giving away 4 tickets (2 sets of 2 tickets) to the Friday, April 22, 2016 7:30 PM show at the Hult Center in Eugene. Click here to enter. Tickets will be available for winners to pick up at Will Call night of show. Winners must respond with names by Monday, April 18, or risk forfeiture. Photo ID for Will Call is required. The contest runs through April 14, 2016.
