MONSTERS! - the musical
by: Pamela Enders, Ph.D.
For many years, in my work as a psychologist, I have heard patients
refer to their "monsters" - those internal psychical creatures whose
voices proclaim its owner's inadequacies and fears. Gail Phaneuf and
Ernie Lijoi have managed to create a musical which bring those
monsters to life in a hilarious and sometimes poignant tour de force.
The story line is this: Samantha (beautifully portrayed by Lisa
Beausoleil) is turning 40 and as if she doesn't have enough to deal
with her nosy, intrusive mother (top notch job by Cheryl
McMahon) reminding her what a failure she is, soon her monsters come
to life to add to her angst. If I had been asked as a psychologist
to think of three monster types that typically haunt a person, I
would have chosen the three in this musical. The first - Apathy -
hilariously portrayed by Patti Hathaway - represents that part of us
that says: "Aw, don't bother..what'
anyway...have a cookie...watch TV" (instead of doing something
constructive with your life). The second monster, Fear, is
wonderfully played by Michelle Dowd. Fear is that part of us that
keep us form taking chances, that fills us with all sorts of neurotic
apprehensions and phobias. The last Monster - Body - is terrifically
played by our own Wayne Fritsche! Popping out of the closet like a
very tall, slim, haughty Liberace, Wayne/Body steals the show with
his Queer-eye-for-
off him as he slithered and or pranced around the stage, telling poor
Sam how hopeless she was (too fat, too drab, no waist, awful clothes,
no style, a hair on her chin, crows feet around the eyes...all those
things we are likely to mumble to ourselves when we have the courage
to look at ourselves in the mirror in the morning). I won't spoil
the plot by telling you what happens after the three Monsters harass
poor Sam except to say that Molly Anne Kelleher also does a fine job.
The dialogue is snappy and funny and the music and lyrics are perfect
for carrying the story line forward. Having had the pleasure of
working with Ernie Lijoi (and Will Mc Millan) in a show at the CCAE
years ago, I know that Ernie has been working on this theme for a
long time! His wit, his intelligence and his musicality shine
through all of the songs. He has clearly found a perfect
collaborator in Gail Phaneuf.
Go see Monsters!!! You will recognize yourself and have a good
laugh (several!) in the process.
Pamela Enders
Pamela Enders, Ph.D.
Masterful Performance Coaching
www.pamelaenders.
