MOM THEATRE BLOGGER: ONE FUNNY MOTHER: Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman
The title of Dena Blizzard’s new one woman Off Broadway show should be One HYSTERICAL Mother.
Blizzard, a stand up comedian and 40 something New Jersey married mom of three, lets it all hang out, and then some, as she dishes about motherhood, marriage, friendship and more. I cannot think of the last time I laughed this hard and much and felt validated.
As we meet Blizzard (a pretty former Miss. New Jersey), she is cleaning up her on stage living/dining room, continually gathering and folding laundry and collecting toys, as she stumbles upon her liquor stash in various locations, including a small bottle stuffed in the couch and taped under a chair, and takes ongoing swigs. She is warming up for a Girls Night Out and shares with candor and irreverence about how much marriage and kids change your life and can make it crazy.
No topic is off limit, including a story about her husband’s hibernation in their bedroom and what he did behind closed doors (you have to see the show to get the scoop). This bit was off the charts riotous!
Even the non-scripted part of the show was a hoot. She engaged a number of audience members to ask about their work, explaining that she likes to get to know people. One of the men in the audience — the show isn’t just for women — said he works in a restaurant where he doesn’t eat because he hates the food. Another man sitting near him then said he lives in that town and coincidentally eats at that restaurant. Blizzard didn’t miss a beat and delivered low key but very quick witted replies, before she jumped back into the performance.
Cleverly interspersed with fun, brief videos of moms and dads offering comical confessionals on a variety of topics, the 80 minute show, no intermission, moves swiftly. And, after laughing all night, at the end, Blizzard shares a brief video of her own family which tugs at your heartstrings.
Blizzard is a cool, relatable gal who you’d want in your inner mom circle. No matter what is going on in your day, no doubt she would turn it on its head with humor and heart. And, you’d potentially be material for future performances, which hopefully there will be.
One Funny Mother has toured the United States and was recently named “Best One Woman Show” at the 2015 United Solo Festival in New York City.
Anyone who IS a mom, HAS a mom, or is MARRIED to a mom will enjoy this show. It’s a fab girls night out, date night or mom bonding experience.
Carl Andress (The Tribute Artist, The Divine Sisters) acts as Creative Consultant. Brierpatch Productions provides General Management. Fiera® Arouser for Her™ is a proud sponsor of One Funny Mother.
Performances began March 31, 2016 for an open-ended engagement at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street, between 8th & 9th Avenues).
Visit www.onefunnymother.com.
Tags: dena blizzard, having a family, mom theatre blogger, new jersey, off broadway show, one funny mother, raising kids, robin gorman newman, standup comedy
