Many new mothers often lament they did not know exactly what they were getting themselves into.
To be fair, no one ever tells them the whole story … until now.
Suddenly Mommy!, a one-woman show written by and starring Anne Marie Scheffler, puts early motherhood on display – in all it’s unglamorous glory. The production, perhaps best described as a witty combination of sketch and stand-up comedy, is an absolute riot, with one hilarious line after another.
While it’s unclear exactly how much of the show is autobiographical, it’s obvious Scheffler relies on her own life experiences as an actress and mother to accurately relay the seemingly unending trail of guilt that can follow a typical mom each day, from her questionable nutritional choices to poor bedtime routines.
A Second City alumna with many film and television credits to her name, Scheffler provides an authentic and endearing performance from start to finish, eliciting sympathetic howls of familiarity from audience members.
Suddenly Mommy’s target demographic is obvious, but one doesn’t have to be a mother – or even a woman for that matter – to enjoy the jokes. The play does include some vulgar lines, as no topic is off limits for Scheffler, including the impact motherhood can have on a woman’s body and her sex life. Yet those scenes are also among the play’s best.
Much like a favourite movie, audiences could likely see Suddenly Mommy! multiple times and still uncover comedic gems with each viewing.
The script, which Scheffler seems to adapt to suit each performance, is fantastic (some local references are included here, as she grew up within minutes of the theatre). She really takes advantage of basically a non-existent set, a few props, a bit of music and a few lighting changes, to paint a particular scene or portray characters.
Many people cringe when they hear about single-player productions, but Scheffler erases all such concerns within minutes. And she expertly relays the hilarity in the negative aspects of motherhood, without overshadowing the joys of the experience. Indeed, despite all the blunders, surprises and disasters along the way, one gets the impression that Scheffler, like countless other mothers, wouldn’t change anything.
Suddenly Mommy! is the funniest Theatre Orangeville production of the last decade.
It’s laugh-out-loud funny. It’s good, not-so-clean fun. And it’s a fabulous way for parents – mothers in particular – to escape the mundane routines of parenthood, if only for a few hours.
Suddenly Mommy! plays five shows a week until March 6. For tickets call 519-942-3423 or 1-800-424-1295 or visit theatreorangeville.ca.
