RESPECT, A MUSICAL JOURNEY OF A WOMAN Premieres at Forum Theatre, Now thru Jan 6

Forum Theatre Artistic Director Peter J. Loewy brings his highly acclaimed Florida, Chicago and LA production of the musical comedy "Respect, A Musical Journey of Woman" to kick off the return of live theatre to The Forum, tonight, December 27- January 6, including New Years Eve.

From "Someone to Watch Over Me" to "I Will Survive." It's the journey of women, told through Top-40 music in the new musical production RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women. From the codependence of "I Will Follow Him" to the anger/humor of "These Boots are Made for Walking," to the cynicism of "What's Love Got to Do with it," and finally to the strength of "Hero." Combining excerpts of 60 songs with women's own stories about finding dreams, lost love, relationship issues, entering the workforce, gaining independence, and more, this show is "exhilarating!" It's more than just a story worth telling, it's a must-see and must-hear.

For more than the first half of the last century, the voice of women in Top-40 popular music has been one of neediness and dependency. I'll do anything for you; just be my baby, even if you're no good and treat me bad; just LOVE me and I'll stand by my man. By the end of the century, things were quite different. Popular music had come far enough so that women looked for the hero within themselves, were urged to get on their feet and make it happen, ready to stand on her own with or without a man. Messages encompassed "I am woman-hear me roar," to "I will survive" and encouraged women to find their own dreams.

Respect: A Musical Journey of Women is a high-energy, historical and hysterical look at women's changes from 1900 to today as illustrated by popular song (New Times), portrayed by a narrator and three breath-takingly talented singers. It is a lively and engaging look at music's depiction of women, as they go from codependence to independence, from Someone to Watch Over Me to I Will Survive and beyond. Interwoven between the music are monologues-real women's stories, which give more meaning to the songs. The show includes 63 song excerpts and grew out of playwright Dorothy Marcic's research and subsequent book (published in 2002) on women's Top-40 songs, which showed how women are portrayed differently in each era.

Men, you will love this show as well. After all, a man directed it. This is the perfect date night or ladies night show.

Discounts for Groups of 20 or more. ( New Years Eve not included). Tickets go on sale September 18th at www.forumtheatrearts.org or by calling 732. 548.5600.

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