From the first moment the lights hit the Herberger Stage, Playhouse Productions’ “The Secret Comedy of Women” bares it all–literally.
Stars Barbara Gehring and Linda Klein giggle on a fluffy bed, wearing nothing but their bras and panties as they stare at voluptuous models in magazines, awkwardly twisting their bodies to replicate the seductive poses.
After they break down how funny the models’ different poses are, they suddenly rip off their bras to reveal new, sparkly, studded bras underneath.
Then, a music number bounces onto the scene: they jump into a short musical number about how they wish they could be seen as more than just their boobs. It’s hilarious, unexpected and full of whimsical sparkle. It’s the perfect preview for the rest of the show.
Written and performed by Gehring and Klein, “The Secret Comedy of Women” is a unique mix of comedic sketches, short videos, audience participation and a few musical numbers.
While the show doesn’t have a solid plot, its fluid, improvisational structure lends the play an intimate feeling. Even as Gehring and Klein change their outfits, they speak to the audience like close friends, and as they change from bras and panties to older lady costumes, the show retains its fun, childish sleepover atmosphere.
Sometimes people in the audience are more than friends, they’re celebrated.
At one point, they picked out an audience member and spontaneously serenaded her, singing a simple song based on her name and trademark catchphrase.
Later, they brought out large chests containing nostalgic items, inviting audience members to rifle through the chests and pick out an item. At one point, a taxidermied squirrel came out of Klein’s chest, and she delved into a hilarious monologue about how she met a strange barber who taught her how to stuff dead squirrels.
One of the funniest parts of the show was a short history of women portrayed through shadow puppets. The comedic timing between Gehring’s narration and Klein’s movements was fluid, flawless and so hilarious someone in the audience snorted.
Thoughtful, uplifting and hilarious, “The Secret Comedy of Women” is a pure-hearted celebration of girlhood. Although the show’s subtitle says “For girls only,” the play is a light-hearted comedy anyone with an open mind to learning about female perspective can enjoy.
Although it touches on some frustrating parts of being a woman, like fighting difficult bras or attitudes about breastfeeding in public, it’s overall a sweet and creative performance that will leave you feeling uplifted, empowered and maybe even a little sore from smiling so much.
“The Secret Comedy of Women” plays Wednesdays through Sundays at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. up to February 24. Tickets can be purchased here.
Contact the columnist at sosulli2@asu.edu.
