Capsule Reviews

Dennis Brown, Deanna Jent and Lew Prince suss out local theater

Comments (0) By Dennis Brown and Deanna Jent and Lew Prince Wednesday, Jun 14 2006

Menopause The MusicalThis sassy musical revue parodies songs of the '60s and '70s, focusing on issues of aging and hormone imbalance (to give you an idea: A disco medley includes "Night Sweating" and "Stayin' Awake"). Sandra Benton is a powerhouse singer whose Tina Turner brings down the house. Brooke Davis scores with "Puff the Magic Dragon" and Lee Anne Mathews delivers a sultry "Tropical Hot Flash," while Rosemary Watts has fun with the raciest number, a tribute to self-love. The only problem with music director Joe Dreyer's slick 90 minutes is that it's too loud. Open-ended run at the Playhouse at West Port Plaza, 635 West Port Plaza (second level), Page Avenue and I-270, Maryland Heights. Tickets are $44.50. Call 314-469-7529 or visit www .playhouseatwestport.com. (DJ)

Phantom of the Opera From Leroux's 1920 novel to a 1940s movie (starring Nelson Eddy as the Phantom!) to a 1980s Andrew Lloyd Webber musical (turned into a movie in 2004), the story of the masked Phantom and his love for Christine lingers on. Multiple tours of the tuneful Webber version have graced the Fox Theatre stage, but this Phantom seems to have hit a middle-age slump. Slow pacing and lackluster energy make the production drag, while low lighting levels render many scenes difficult to see. Marie Danvers sings Christine's part well but doesn't have much chemistry with the dark Phantom (John Cudie) or good guy Raoul (Adam Monley). The legendary fall of the chandelier is so slow and boring it nearly evokes laughter. Through July 1 at the Fox Theatre, the Fox Theatre, 527 North Grand Boulevard. Tickets are $20 to $70. Call 314-534-1111 or visit www.fabulousfox.com. (DJ)