Kathy St. George - Singing, Dancing and Bonding in 'Menopause the Musical'

Kathy St. George has established herself as one of the Boston stage's leading comic actresses, be it in straight plays or musicals. The award-winning actress has a resume that attests to her versatility in productions with the city's major theater companies, most recently with the SpeakEasy Stage in "Significant Others," the Fiddlehead Theater in "Show Boat," and "Mame" at the Stoneham Theatre in which she played the title role.

Currently she is back at the Stoneham Theatre for the hit revue "Menopause the Musical," which runs through this Sunday. EDGE spoke to St. George about the musical and her career.

EDGE: Where did your path to the stage begin?

Kathy St. George: It all began at Salem State College. I was majoring in Elementary Ed with a minor in music. One day, I saw a posting from the theatre program looking for a pianist. I went and the rest is history.

EDGE: How would you describe 'Menopause the Musical?'

Kathy St. George: It is an experience like none other. Men like it as much as women. It's about bonding, singing, and dancing over 'the change.' All of the music is from the 50s, 60s, and 70s with parodied lyrics. What makes it so great is how women can relate to it. To give you a sense of how popular it is, I know of a woman who is driving from Florida to see it.

EDGE: What do you like about your role as Soap Star, and how did you prepare for the role?

Kathy St. George: I love playing her. She is struggling with aging and she has a career where it affects her livelihood. Even though she is shallow and obsessed with her looks, she still has heart of gold.

EDGE: In which ways is Soap Star unlike you?

Kathy St. George: She is buxom [she laughs]. I like to think that I am aging gracefully. I don't feel that I am as obsessive as Soap Star.

EDGE: There are so many songs that are parodied in the play. Which song is your favorite, and why?

Kathy St. George: I love them all! I love my solo 'Hot Flash.' 'I'm having a hot flash, a tropical hot flash,' [she sings] It is such a joy being on the stage and seeing how the play resonates with women.

EDGE: Are there any upsides to menopause?

Kathy St. George: Oh yes, you don't get your period anymore! I also think it helps you to kind of lighten up about the little things in life.

EDGE: The show has been a hit for so long. Why do you think that is?

Kathy St. George: For me, it has been such a gift. I have been performing in it off and on since 2004. As we age, we become part of a community ad we all go through it. Even though it means you're getting older, and at times can be difficult to handle, seeing the show brings joy and laughter to a condition that you never talk about. This show brings it out in the open and celebrates it.

EDGE: What message do you have for the male audience member to walk away with?

Kathy St. George: We do have a good amount of men in the audience, which is great. I love that sometimes when a man walks in, the audience will applause. The men are also going through the change, too. It is fun to see the men poking and whispering to their wives throughout the show because they finally understand what they are going through.

EDGE: For you, what makes the Stoneham theatre so special?

Kathy St. George: I was born and raised in Stoneham. Not only is the Stoneham theatre a beautiful venue, it is my theatrical home. They do wonderful and high quantity productions. It is always a pleasure to work there.

For more information about Kathy, visit the Stoneham Theatre website.