Geist Radio Show for Martin Luther King Day

Happy Martin Luther King day, atGeist customer appreciation night at Bella Vita recap, “atGeist Community Newsletter” out last Friday, special Valentine’s Day issue this month, new editorial calendar link on atGeist.com, Jonah’s Market dinner idea, “getting ready for the Geist Half Marathon” featured next month, over 600 registrants for the race so far, volunteers and runners needed, new Biz Blogs off the ground, free blog training tomorrow is booked but February 20th is still open at Old National Bank, GHPOA annual meeting tonight at 7:00 pm, Fishers Town Council expected to pass annexation ordinances tomorrow night, Senate Bill 114 to the rescue. Visit GeistRadio.com to listen!

Geist’s ‘Soap Star’ is back at American Cabaret Theatre in ‘Menopause the Musical,’ now through March 30

Did you know we have a soap star living among us in Geist?

Well, she’s not exactly on daytime television, but Ellen Kingston does play the self-absorbed, image-conscious soap star in “Menopause the Musical,” which runs through March 30 at American Cabaret Theatre.

And, believe it or not, the show has such a following among middle-aged women, that indeed, Kingston has become somewhat of a “star.” “Menopause” is back in Indy for its second run, after a year-long run ended in March 2006.

During that time, Kingston says she was surprised by how many women approached her in the supermarket or at a restaurant, often shrieking with excitement as they asked for her autograph and related their own life experiences with “the change!” Although Kingston has had a 35-year career in radio, television and stage, it was the first time she had experienced “celebrity status.”

“I really did understand how people who are real ‘stars’ feel,” Kingston said.

When she was asked to audition for the first Indy production, she actually wasn’t sure this show as for her.

“I’m kind of a private person,” explains Kingston.

So really, how does a show with “Menopause” in the title continue to pack the house night after night? It’s just plain hilarious!

“It’s not the best piece of theatre on the planet,” Kingston admits, “but for some reason, it works. It really touches people.”

And surprisingly, it also appeals to men! Although most guys probably wouldn’t choose to see “Menopause” on their own, when their wives drag them along, it’s often the guys who laugh the loudest.

“My husband (Rick) says, ‘I laugh every time I see it,” and he’s probably seen it 100 times!” says Kingston, a 52-year-old mom of four grown children (including daughter Lisa Posson, who is assistant stage manager for the Indy show).

Having not experienced “the change” yet myself, I had my doubts about how humorous I would find the show, but I knew exactly who to take along — my mother! After all, I had to suffer alongside her during family visits, shivering in my turtleneck and sweater as she stripped down to a T-shirt and turned on a fan! And, besides, I figure I need to know what to expect when the time comes!

It certainly wasn’t a medical analysis of the complex changes that occur during this turbulent time for women. But it covered all the basics — from hot flashes to memory loss and mood swings — through hilarious parodies of pop songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s (Think “My Guy” turned into “My Thighs” and “California Girls” with the lyrics: “Wish we all could be sane and normal girls”)!

The mainly female audience howled at the high-energy, comedic performance by Kingston and her three co-stars, Tiffanie Bridges, Judy Bridgewater and Catherine Vaughn Mobley. Although all the singing and dancing is exhausting, Kingston keeps doing it night after night for one reason: to uplift women.

“It’s a way to minister to people and kind of spread the joy,” she says.

To see our neighbor Ellen Kingston in “Menopause the Musical” at American Cabaret Theatre (401 E. Michigan St.), contact the box office at 317-631-0334 ext. 115, or purchase tickets through www.ticketmaster.com. Take advantage of the buy-one-get-one-free promotion for Friday shows in February by mentioning the code “3F — Free Fridays in February.” For more information on the show, visit www.MenopauseTheMusical.com.