In the new original musical comedy revue "Havin' a Hot Flash," there's a song sung to the tune of "Stand By Your Man."
The revised lyrics: "Stand By Your Fan."Yes, folks, there's a brand new entry to the menopause-themed-musicals genre.We caught up with producer Chuck Carson to talk to him about the sketch-comedy-style show, which opens today at the Tower Theatre for a weekend run.Question: Did the success of "Menopause the Musical" influence your decision to produce this project?Answer: Not really. The quality of the parodies and the comedy of the dialogue have the ingredients for a very funny and entertaining show, plus targeting an audience was much easier than most new, untried productions.Tell us about Linda VanZant, who wrote the show.She was a theater arts major with an emphasis in musical comedy at San Diego State. Her performing credits include appearances with Fresno Community Theatre, Fresno City College productions and The Entertainment Company. Currently she is a Realtor with Century 21. Linda began writing this show almost five years ago. Once completed a suitable venue had to be found, and the Tower Theatre was the perfect fit. You're known as an on-air personality at KVPT. What other productions have you been involved with locally?I directed the U.S.O. variety show for KVPT in 2007 and am currently producing, directing and appearing in "The Bob Hope Road Show" starring Lynn Roberts. In fact, we premiere the production next week at The Nathan Manilow Theatre in Park Forest, Ill.What are your hopes for the musical after its Tower Theatre run?I am having the entire show shot in high definition and tying in to the audio mix at the theater. When complete, we will edit a 5-7- minute DVD to be used as a marketing tool to sell the show to other presenting theatres and/or organizations.My hope is to continue running the production at various venues next year. If the show is successful and a demand to do another performance locally is warranted, we will work out a date with the Tower.Is it odd to be producing a show about a physiological response that you, um, haven't experienced personally?Yes, it is odd but workable. I had the expertise of my writer and co-producer, six cast members, my choreographer, costumer, vocal and music director, ushers and backstage dresser. I now have experience! And hot flashes.