SEXY WIDOWS… Los Angeles

This is an inspirational show with a life lesson for adults of a certain age, or stage in their lives, created by Sonny Fox and June August, two women who met in grief therapy and helped each other through the emotional whirlpool of dealing with the loss of a spouse. They saw that widowhood is a looming specter for many and decided to share their personal stories to show that loss doesn’t have to mean the end of your life. And they decided to write it as a musical revue!

In the show, two women and two men are faced with a flood of emotions as they ask: How do we cope with regrets?  How do we go on alone?  Will we ever smile or laugh again? Is there love after loss? All questions asked, or answered, in songs: Where Did the Time Go? There Was a Time! Are You Ready? The Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda Blues! and the advice, Keep on Goin’.  

Derrel Maury is charming as the Voice inside their heads; Kit Smythe is moving as once-dependent wife Della; Robert Towers is touching as the vulnerable Charley; Karen Culliver is impressive as the courageous Brenda; Hank Adams is totally right as the former ladies man John; Bobbi Stamm is delightful as any number of women friends, and Larry Lederman persuades as a therapist, a ghost and assorted other men.

Meaningful book, music and lyrics are by August, with additional lyrics based on poems by Fox. The title is not meant to be misleading because, as the authors explain, sexy means "vibrant and alive." Director and choreographer Cate Caplin’s simple staging allows emotional truth to come through. Fine musical direction by Sean Paxton (piano); with assistance from Kevin Tiernan (guitar) and Tripp Beam (drums). 

A Two Widows Production at The 24th Street Theatre, 1117 W 24th St, Los Angeles, through June 9. Reservations: (818) 203-1984 or BrownPaperTickets.com. For information: www.twowidowsproductions.com.