‘MOMologues’ a funny and irreverent look at motherhood

Before the “MOMologues” began on the simplistic set, Keern Haslem, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art’s project coordinator and producer of the comedy, (along with Tracy Houck, executive producer) announced that that actress Eva Hribikova Maydole, was sick, and although Casey Ayres agreed to fill in her role, she would be “on book,” because she did not have the six weeks of rehearsal preparation the other three actresses experienced.

The play, which underscores the highs and lows of motherhood, opens with each of the four women celebrating and agonizing over pregnancy. Although one woman easily became pregnant, others needed to chart ovulation, try in vitro fertilization, and hope and pray that this baby would make it to term.

Once the women became pregnant, they dealt with morning sickness, hormone imbalances, unwanted comments from people, and invasion of their personal space by well-meaning strangers.

The birth of the baby presented different dilemmas: names, drugs, episiotomies, circumcisions and breastfeeding were decisions that needed to be made.

The joy of the baby was indescribable, yet the need to get back in shape was paramount in the women’s minds. Dealing with a crying baby, coupled with the lack of sleep, was something unexpected by the women. Breastfeeding successes and failures were celebrated and agonized.

Before too long, the women found they were again pregnant, and they figured this time the birthing, breastfeeding and childcare would be a piece of cake, because they already had experience. One thing they did not count on was their lack of privacy and “alone time.”

The inane repetition of reading the same book to their child a hundred times, or singing a mindless nursery rhyme again and again, were some of the things that frustrated the women, who often wondered if they would make it until the end of the day.

The women sometimes have a monologue that explains their experiences, and at other times they meet with the other women to share their commonalities.

Trish Astrid-Roberts is the director of the amusing comedy, and she also is the feisty, irreverent Char.

Alison Pamiotto is the southern drawling Ellen, whose comments are insightful and sometimes flippant.

Tiffany Waldren is Maria, who seems to be able to do everything right.

Although she had no rehearsals, Ayres was wonderful as tender Stef, who absolutely adored being a mother to her precious baby. I am sure Maydole will be as tender.

My sister Theresa and I chose to enjoy the catered brunch at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art that was offered with the “MOMologues,” and we were certainly pleased with our decision. Catered by Cowboy Up Catering, we were pleasantly surprised with a glass of champagne as the play began. The tasty lunch with a vinaigrette salad, quiche choices of crab or sausage and pineapple upside down cake with vanilla ice cream was accompanied by another glass of champagne.

“MOMologues” is a really funny, sometimes irreverent and profane look at motherhood, to which mothers (and maybe some fathers) can relate. I found my mental tape replaying some of my mothering experiences as I listened to the women’s quips and tales. I recommend it for all mothers and fathers (so they can understand their women) past, present and future. Because of adult situations and language the comedy is not recommended for families.

“MOMologues” continues Friday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. and Feb. 25, brunch at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 Friday, and $20 Saturday. Call 727-8255 for information, tickets or reservations.