by William Crum
Recently, I saw the musical, “Mother Freaking Hood.”
It is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and one of the best musicals I’ve seen in a very long time.
Unlike a lot of musicals where there is singing and dancing, this particular musical is humorous as well.
This is partly due to a young director who grew up in Wyandotte County. Her name is Heidi Van, and she directed the musical.
“I grew up in Wyandotte County and my father taught at Kansas City Kansas Community College,” she said.
She first got involved with this production in 2014 as an actress in one of the early productions, she said.
It wasn’t until later that she accepted a post from executive producer Seth Eckelman, who founded Moonshine Variety Company.
“Seth approached me later and said I should try out for the director’s position,” she said.
“This is a story about motherhood and the humor behind it,” she said. “It is a very positive humorous musical. I would call it a flashy musical. I have directed other musicals before but nothing like this,” Van said.
The musical starts with three women who are all different. They met at the doctor’s office, where their friendship begins, and they found out they were all pregnant. As the play proceeds, all three go through the same thing but each one of them handles it differently.
It’s one of the most entertaining plays I have seen in a long time. When I saw it I laughed so hard my sides began to hurt and tears rolled down my cheek.
Would I like to see the play again? The answer to that is definitely yes. Please keep in mind that this play is not recommended for young children — maternal discretion is advised. This is the play that you go to with your friends or your significant other.
The music was phenomenal as well as the acting, set design and sound. The two women who wrote it are Julie Dunlap and Sara Stotts, who did a fantastic job, and not to leave out actors and other members of the crew who gave a truly amazing performance.
I would definitely recommend “Mother Freaking Hood.” It will have you laughing hysterically. Ticket prices range from $41 to $52, depending upon the performances, with matinées on Saturday and Sunday.
The next performances are at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the Goppert Theater, Avila University, Kansas City, Mo.
For more information go to the website, www.moonshinevariety.com.
