Suanne Braun, Dawn Hope and Pippa Winslow in Cougar the Musical at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry. Picture: Robert Day
Cougar the Musical continues at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry until 6 June.
Star rating: 4 stars ★ ★ ★ ★
Creator Donna Moore was doing stand-up comedy in New York City when she first heard the term ‘Cougar’ used to describe a woman who is dating a younger man, promptly realising that men don’t get given a similarly derogatory nickname when they date a younger woman. Cougar the Musical is her fun and flirty response, a bright comedy with an uplifting message and hopeful outlook.
The show is making its UK premiere at the Belgrade following a run Off-Broadway. The more intimate B2 auditorium is a good choice of venue, as it brings the audience closer to the action, drawing them in to the highs and lows of the main characters.
Juliet Shillingford’s set design combined with Arnim Friess’ lighting and video create a swish, modern set with bright colours, reminiscent of the Big Apple and also reflecting the vivacity and boldness of the three women whose lives are going through some big changes.
The story focuses on Mary-Marie (Suanne Braun), a Southern Belle who wears the stereotypical cougar leopard print and has opened a bar especially for cougars so that she can meet younger men; Lily (Pippa Winslow), a twice divorced mother who doesn’t really know how to be on her own and is worried about standing on her own two feet; and Clarity (Dawn Hope), a happily single business woman who quits her job as a senior financial analyst and decides to go back to school to take up female studies.
Casting director Debbie O’Brien has done a commendable job with this musical. Barnaby Hughes gives an excellent performance as the only male cast member and switches effortlessly between a range of characters, from Buck the wannabe Broadway star to Bourbon Cowboy. Despite being outnumbered, he holds his own with sharp timing and clever physical comedy.
Braun gives a particularly humorous performance in a drunken scene in Act II, Hope’s Clarity is sassy and punchy, and Winslow’s Pippa is relatable for anyone who has ever felt let down by their other half and is reluctant to open their heart to anyone else. The strong rapport between them all is clear to see, and their stories are empowering, demonstrating that it’s never too late to try something different, to be open to new opportunities and say ‘yes’ more often.
The script is very funny with some quirky fresh ideas, although there are also a few quips that aren’t quite as original. Not all of the toe-tapping tunes (choreographed by Racky Plews) will necessarily stay with you, but a particular highlight is ‘Julio’, expertly performed by Hope with the other cast members providing amusing back up. The band of just two musicians does an impressive job throughout (musical director is Neil MacDonald).
It would be wrong to assume that this show will only appeal to women of a certain age, as men could also learn something from its honest portrayal of characters who aren’t where they had planned to be in their late forties. Cougar the Musical, directed by Patricia Benecke, is a great night out if you’re looking for something a little bit different.
* Additional music and lyrics are by Mark Barkan, John Baxidine, Arnie Gross, Meryl Leppard and Seth Lefferts.
Bethaney Rimmer
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