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Every week, the spotlight at Society Hill Playhouse shines on Gail Bliss when she sings one of her solos. The Queen Village resident belts out the take-off of "Tropical Heat Wave" in a sultry, sexy voice. It’s almost an exact rendition of the original — except it’s not about heat waves, it’s about hot flashes.
"Outside it is nippy, but I’m hot and drippy. I’m having a hot flash," she sings.
The solo is one of 26 parodies on 1960s’ and ’70s’ classics in "Menopause the Musical," now in its third successful season at 507 S. Eighth St.
"The music is recognizable, but with the menopause twist, which is where much of the comedy lies," Bliss said.
The songs are about night sweats, mood swings, memory lapses and more, with a comic tone evident in the frequent peals of laughter from the audience, who cheer with enthusiasm after each number.
The four performers in the ensemble cast — all of them over 40 — have fun, too. But it’s also hard work, with 90 breathless minutes of songs, dialogue and choreography, and no intermission.
"It’s very physically demanding, and my hips are always sore afterwards," Bliss said.
The 43-year-old joined the cast in September when the show re-opened after a brief summer break. Each performance, one per day Wednesdays through Fridays and two on Saturdays and Sundays, demands high energy.
"Typically, everyone loses weight with this show," Bliss said. "We even have a nickname: The Menopause Diet."
The musical focuses on women from different backgrounds: Power Woman, Earth Mother, Iowa Housewife and Soap-Opera Star. In the opening scene, they meet for the first time in Bloomingdales’ lingerie department, where they fight over a black, lace bra. They soon bond, however, while comparing their experiences of "the change."
"These four women are so diverse, but they share this stage of life and they learn from each other," Bliss, who plays Soap-Opera Star, said.
Her character wears a halter-top dress, jewelry and 3-and-a-half-inch heels — not the easiest shoes for dancing on stage. All the songs are choreographed, but Bliss doesn’t miss a beat. An energetic performer, she gives her all, whatever the task may be.
A vocalist, songwriter and recording artist, Bliss has performed in many venues, including the Grand Ole Opry, the Kennedy Center and Toronto Skydome. Her touring credits include "A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline," "Pump Boys & Dinettes" and "Play It By Heart."
The resident has made four CDs, and her disc "Where Love Lives" was recognized in a gospel music competition. Her most recent album, "For the Good Times," is compiled of classic country music and one of the songs "Moon Over the Cumberland" shot to No. 1 on the International Western Swing Music charts.
The versatile musician also has worked alongside country-music artists, such as Chet Atkins, Vassar Clements and Tricia Yearwood. She recently made her Broadway debut in the Johnny Cash musical "Ring of Fire."
With all her varied experience, "Menopause the Musical" was Bliss’ first chance to do comedy. In July, she saw the production in New Haven, Conn., and "laughed so hard," she recalled. "And I said to myself, ‘I’ve got to be in that show.’"
The producers thought so, too. While she was performing in "Ring of Fire," they spotted her as a natural for Soap-Opera Star. When the role opened in Philadelphia, Bliss landed it. Little did she know she was about to become part of a national phenomenon.
Since it first opened six years ago in a tiny theater in Orlando, Fla., "Menopause the Musical" has played in 100 cities and 10 countries.
Running off Broadway, it’s currently playing in 10 U.S. cities. With so many productions, there are inevitable cast changes and the rehearsal process is centralized. All new members go to Jacksonville, Fla., which is where Bliss spent two weeks preparing before moving to South Philly.
"It was a blast," she said of her time in the Sunshine State. "During those rehearsals, I knew my body would really be challenged in this show."
The musical gave her a chance to develop comedic skills. "When I hear the audience burst into laughter, then I know I’m doing my job," she said. "It’s immediate satisfaction."
So is the enthusiasm of the audience. Though mostly women, there are a few of the opposite sex, too. "They’re in the minority, but they really enjoy the show," Bliss said of the men who attend.
The women are of all ages and include mother-daughter pairs and girls-night-out groups.
After the show, the cast invites the audience to come on stage and join the four performers in a spirited kick line. As volunteers begin to participate, more follow. "They shed their inhibitions and come up," Bliss said. She remembers one evening when an 89-year-old celebrating her birthday came on stage.
The actress often hears words of appreciation and enthusiasm. "They’ll say, ‘Thank you for this wonderful night! You’re a great inspiration!’" she said.
Although a newcomer and the youngest of the four, the slim, 5-foot-7 actress has happily settled into the experience — and South Philly.
On her days off, she likes to hop on her Harley-Davidson and go on excursions. Recently, she went to New Hope and Lancaster. Closer to home, the avid cook enjoys shopping at the Italian Market and is a regular at Jim’s Cheesesteaks.
But Wednesdays through Sundays, she heads for Society Hill Playhouse, where her character loses the fear of wrinkles and aging as she bonds with the other women.
The show has helped Bliss feel more prepared for menopause, whenever it may come. "It doesn’t scare me at all," she said. "I know exactly what to expect, and it won’t take me by surprise."
Preparation aside, the resident especially values the positive theme and spirit of the musical. "By the end, the four women have a new sense of pride," she said. "They have the courage to embrace change. It’s a message of empowerment and acceptance."
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For tickets and schedules for "Menopause the Musical," call 215-923-0210 or visit website www.ticketweb.com.
