A chance encounter in a department store, a scuffle, and the eventual realization that they’re all on the same team despite the havoc of midlife hormones—that’s Menopause the Musical. The four main characters go on to become best friends after their rocky introduction, sharing the highs, lows, joys and sorrows of changing bodies.
For nearly 25 years, women around the world have found just how universal their experiences with hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses are. Hysterical laughter and heartfelt reminders to find joy in every season have helped audience members create bonds and memories surrounding menopause that, early in the musical’s life, were considered taboo.
Now, Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’ brings the original characters back together five years after their chance encounter in the department store. They set sail on a cruise for a journey of self-discovery backed by new tunes and new opportunities.
“I really do think that Jeanie Linders changed the world,” said Director and Producer Seth Greenleaf of the original show’s creator. “When she wrote Menopause the Musical, menopause was not a topic of public consumption at all.”
Greenleaf says they’ve performed for audiences of 500-1500 across the world for the last 25 years, normalizing conversations surrounding menopause.
“Women are not ashamed anymore,” he shared, “I think that’s what Menopause the Musical did more powerfully than anything else.”
The show gave women permission to laugh, talk and form community around their symptoms, a luxury that not all generations of women experienced.
“Suddenly, a thousand women in a room are laughing and they realize ‘Oh my God, I’m not unique,’” said Greenleaf. In the early days of the show, he said, “You could see people’s faces, and it was the first time they realized that everyone was having the same symptoms.”
While the show hasn’t focused on medical or diagnostic themes, Greenleaf says it creates a sense of community surrounding the “emotional approach” of navigating menopause. “Menopause is not the end, it’s also a beginning,” he described. “Often after menopause, we see a resurgence of personal curiosity and women considering what their goals and dreams are.”
Stacey Harris, cast member and choreography supervisor, says she’s seen changes in social commentary surrounding menopause.
“The culture is shifting; we have a lot of female celebrities who are really being very vocal about their struggles.”
She says the show celebrates changes and transitions, teaching women that menopause is natural and “nothing to be ashamed about or embarrassed about.”
“It’s a super fun show, and I’m so proud to be a part of it,” she gushed.
She plays the character Soap Star and has been with Menopause the Musical 2 since its U.S. premiere. Auditioning for the role was natural given Harris’s career in the entertainment industry.
“I really relate to Soap Star when she was younger because she used to be the ingénue, and now the business sees her differently and it’s a different approach in terms of trying to get jobs and recognizing that her body, her life and her career are changing,” Harris shared. “As a woman in show business, I could definitely relate to those messages.”
As Menopause the Musical 2 follows the original characters—Earth Mother, Professional Woman, Soap Star, and Iowa Housewife—audience members watch the characters’ friendships deepen. Sailing through the tropics on a cruise provides ample opportunity for hot flash catastrophes and karaoke nights featuring parodies of 70s, 80s and 90s hits. During one parody, the cruise ship’s AC cuts out, and cast members sing “AC Inferno,” a humorous take on The Trammps Disco Inferno.
Audience members often relate strongly to one character over others. While Harris believes there’s something relatable about each character, when talking with audience members, she finds they “love to identify which character they are.” But by far, the most common remark she receives is “we had so much fun.”
Though she’s New York City-based, Harris is excited to be back in the area.
“I’m actually from Raleigh, North Carolina, so I have a Carolina background,” she explained. “My mom will actually be at the Fayetteville show watching me for the 10th time.”
Harris says that men enjoy the show as well.
“A lot of people come with their sisters, gal group, moms, husbands and boyfriends. They have fun too. and it helps them understand what their loved ones are going through.”
Through the heavy realities of menopause, the hysterical humor of four on-stage characters, and toe-tapping music, Harris says one theme shines through: “The power of a woman. You’re still viable, you’re still important, even as we get older.”
Watch Menopause the Musical 2 at the Crown Theater, 1960 Coliseum Dr., on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 3 p.m. For tickets, visit https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/menopause-the-musical-2 or call the box office at 910-438-4100. Tickets start at $48.

(Photo:Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® Myrtle Beach 2024 Cast: Valerie Fagan, Adrianne Hick, Kimberly Ann Harris, and Teri Adams. Photo by Scott Smallin)