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New 'Waistwatchers' Musical A Light Treat

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center

The characters in "Waistwatchers" have heavier issues to deal with than just weight, but they manage to get in a few laughs and songs. The cast includes, clockwise from top left, Melissa Nay, Michael Indeglio, Alison Burns, Kathi Osborne, Nadeen Holloway and Heather Krueger.

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By KATHY L. GREENBERG

Tribune correspondent

Published: February 22, 2009

A few minutes into "Waistwatchers: The Calorie-Free Musical," I really wanted a Big Mac. Moments later, I felt fat in my size (blank) pants. By the end of the show, I was ready to hop on a treadmill and burn off the pounds accumulated from that imagined burger.

It's an emotional rollercoaster that many endure every day. My ride lasted less than two hours at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. It was long enough, though, to realize how accurately the musical, written by TBPAC President Judy Lisi, depicts the challenges of weight loss.

Sylvie (Alison Burns) has lost 70 pounds at a Waistwatchers center. Her success has gained her the right to lead a weight loss group, albeit one that has already lost two leaders and is the biggest failure in Waistwatchers' history.

Sylvie is on deadline to whip her group into shape. She's giddy from her own accomplishments, so she's optimistic about helping the five people who, together, have gained 18 pounds since joining the program. Like everyone else on the planet, these folks have issues. But for them, fat is a symptom of bigger problems, which they gradually tackle with the aid of Burns' clever lyrics and hilarious costumes designed by Rick Criswell and Ann Jones.

The endearing Michael Indeglio plays Bill, a paunchy beer drinker whose wife left him for a trainer with a six-pack. Kathi Osborne (Diane) and Melissa Nay (Ginger) address the complicated mother-daughter relationship. As Jenny, the mom of three whose husband shows more interest in television than in her, Heather Krueger is probably the most sympathetic figure.

Nadeen Holloway is food addict Queenie. Holloway's powerful, gospel-like singing is inspirational.

The audience is bombarded with food and fitness images on two large screens. Karla Hartley's creative video montages confuse our monkey brains: I want pie. No, I need to diet. Give me pie. No, I'm fat. It's a smart effect that conveys the mixed messages about body image that society imparts.

Lisi doesn't tell us anything new, but what she does say is spot on about our obsession with weight. "Waistwatchers" is a satisfying, calorie-free treat.

THEATER REVIEW

Waistwatchers: The Calorie-Free Musical

WHEN: Through May 10; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Jaeb Theater, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa

HOW MUCH: $31.50; (813) 222-1001, www.tbpac.org

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