We enjoy comedy, we enjoy music, we enjoy motherhood…. So, what do you get when you put it all together? Motherhood The Musical!
the gig:
The cast of Motherhood the Musical.
Motherhood The Musical is coming to Atlanta’s 14th Street Playhouse September 22-November 20. Grab your girlfriends, your huney, your mom and get ready for laughs, tears, smiles and most importantly…love!
The musical tells the story of Brooke (played by Ingrid Cole), Barb (Mary Kathryn Kaye), Tasha (Jewel Lucien) and Amy (Lisa Manuli) as they journey through the joys of motherhood together.
LBD/LRW recently had a fascinating chat with Lisa Manuli who portrays Amy, a soon-to-be mom, in Motherhood The Musical. Here, she shares her passion for the play and some insider’s tidbits about this soon-to-open performance.
the gossip:
LBD/LRW: So, Lisa, where are you from?
L: I’m originally from New York, but I live in Atlanta now.
LBD/LRW: When did you first begin acting and singing?
L: It’s all I ever wanted to do since I was kid. I’ve been doing it since as early as I could open my mouth! When I was in elementary school, I joined drama club and was involved in chorus.
LBD/LRW: Tell us about your character in Motherhood The Musical.
L: Her name is Amy. She is the pregnant one. She is actually due in 3 weeks at the time of the show. She is the super positive one with a well-organized life. In Amy’s eyes, “I’ve read all the magazines; I’ve read all the websites. Everything is going to be beautiful.”
LBD/LRW: You are not currently a mother yourself, but you can definitely still relate to your character Amy. What have you learned about motherhood through the musical?
L: For everyone, cast and audience, it reinforces that relationship with your mother, or your child, or both, and it makes you sit back and reflect. It’s made me sit back and think about the sacrifices my mother made for me growing up. It makes me understand where that love and dedication comes from.
LBD/LRW: What’s your experience of portraying a “soon-to-be” mom on stage been like?
L: It’s been awesome! The group of women I work with is amazing and the show is amazing. It’s a lot of fun because of the audience members who are already mothers see me in themselves: “Oh my gosh, you are so me, I so did that!” I feel not only am I, as an actor, being able to deliver a performance for people that is relatable, but the celebration of motherhood on stage has truly affected people too. We can go home every night and make someone call their mother or child.
Lisa Manuli, who plays Amy in Motherhood the Musical.
LBD/LRW: So, do you have a favorite scene?
L: “Now I Know” is one of my favorite songs; I sing it to the baby after I’ve delivered. It’s during that awkward stage when there is the realization of a new life in my arms.
LBD/LRW: What makes Motherhood the Musical unique?
L: This show in particular depends on the connection of the women involved. We all connect with each other so much, and we do feel the sense of Motherhood. There isn’t one second when we don’t feel the love or trust you need to do a show like this. The love is still there. That’s the heart of the show; it’s been amazing.
LBD/LRW: How has the play been unique compared to previous works that you have performed in?
L: In so many ways, this play affects people. Women walk into the audience as strangers but they leave as friends because they have shared that common bond of motherhood that we’ve created with everyone.
LBD/LRW: What has been a highlight from working with the cast and crew of Motherhood The Musical?
L: This piece has something unique; I’ll see generations of women who come together to see the show. There’s grandmother, mother and daughter; that’s three generations down that come see the show together. I know they walk out feeling like they’ve experienced that sisterhood.
Also, the men have been amazing when they come. I don’t think some of the men know how much the play will affect them too.
LBD/LRW: Who would you recommend come see Motherhood The Musical?
L: I would recommend it to everyone to come see it. It’s such a fun time. It covers so much joy, excitement and love. The music is amazing, too. There are so many styles that it really will appeal to anyone. You don’t have to be a mom; you just have to have a mom. If you haven’t seen it, come, no matter who you are.
LBD/LRW: So, after being a part of this incredible musical, what is one piece of advice you have for women?
L: For some people, having a child is what they’re meant to do, and for other people, it’s not. For those who aren’t meant to have children right now, go home and call your mother and tell her you love her.
the guide:
Motherhood The Musical
date: September 22, 2011 – November 20, 2011
performances: Tuesday through Saturdays, 8 p.m. and Saturday & Sundays, 2 p.m.
location: 14th Street Playhouse, 173 14th Street, Atlanta, GA
ticket prices: $45 per ticket
to purchase tickets: click here to purchase them online
for group sales: Call Jen Ruffner, 888-440-6662 Ext. 1, or email groups@gfourproductions.com.
for more information, visit www.MotherhoodTheMusical.com
discounts and donations
Hey, ladies! Receive $5 off your ticket by using the code “MARCUS” and they will donate $2 to the Marcus Autism Center. Save some cash and give to a wonderful cause!
