Review: “Madwoman in the Volvo” Tackles Menopause, Burning Man, Infidelity and Kale

While “keeping hydrated” Sandra Tsing Loh, Caroline Aaron and Shannon Holt take a romp through Loh’s year of living menopausally in Madwoman in the Volvo now playing through June 26, at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Beginning with a quote from Dante and ending with balloons, Loh takes on the subjects of menopause, depression, infidelity, mothers and children with a wry and self-deprecating wit.

Approaching 50 and beginning to feel time slipping by, the play begins with an ill-fated trip to Burning Man where Loh begins her decent into the madness that is menopause. With Aaron and Holt playing characters from Loh’s husband to her mother, they continue on a journey through Loh’s character’s infidelity and the ensuing break-up of her marriage.

At times the play is uncomfortable, even though fictionalized, this play is after-all based upon Loh’s own experiences. How many of us would air our dirty laundry on stage? Other times it is infinitely sad, with Loh’s childhood memories of her mother’s menopausal depression. But most of the time it is funny, done with a tongue and cheek humor that is Loh’s calling card.

From beginning to end the 90-minute play will leave you in stitches with Loh, Aaron and Holt’s antics. Whether you are a man or woman, old or young (however being a woman of a certain age will help) there is something to relate to. If you only take away that menopause is not for the feint of heart it will be an evening well spent.

The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena. The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets, priced from $25.00 to $87.00, are available online at PasadenaPlayhouse.org; by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at (626) 356-7529; or visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday – Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates. On performance dates the Box Office is open Tuesday – Saturday from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit PasadenaPlayhouse.org.