"Menopause" Heating Up Local Business Scene

People like to laugh and "Menopause the Musical" now playing at The Landmark Theater, fits the bill. As previously reported by Patch, the show leaves audiences in a lighter mood and this reporter wanted to know if any of the local businesses have benefited from its production.

Hal Linden, the general manager of Ahyan's Mediterranean Marketplace, couldn't stop raving about the uptrend in business from the show.  He said, "Ever since it started rehearsals, we get an influx of actresses, stagehands and showgoers every night - it's been very good for business." Linden also saw the show last summer and commented that although he was one of the few males in the audience, "It was very entertaining."

Susan Micelotta, the owner of White Plus One, agreed but hadn't realized that the uptick was due to theatregoers even though she had wondered why there were groups of women milling about town. She thinks the show is also good for business and said, "We've all been working together to make this a walking and shopping town."

However, on the other side of the street, Florence Leniston of Bubba Brown's Treasures , Eddie Gladd of Ralph's Italian Ices, Harry De Feo of Harbor Deli and Gayle Silver of Painting with Flowers haven't necessarily experienced a surge in new business. Florence summed up the situation by saying, "Last year was phenomenal. I don't know if there's been enough advertising but maybe it's the economy.  Then again, it might just be the heat, no pun intended."

It's relatively rare for a local theater to engage a production return as in case of "Menopause," but as Sharon Maier-Kennelly, Landmark's Executive Director said, "The show did so well last year, especially with the last four weeks of the run as complete sellouts, that we decided invite the musical back to Port.  It was, and remains a great success, night after night, the show really delivers."

The show times for Menopause The Musical® at Landmark on Main Street are Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m.; Wednesdays at 2 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Running time is 90 minutes without intermission. All tickets are $47.50. To purchase tickets, call 516-717-3990 or www.menopauselongisland.com. Girls Night Out/Groups 10+: Call Group Sales Box Office 800-223-7565 or visit www.bestofbroadway.com.