Parenthood has its ups and downs, its frustrating moments and those times when you’ve just gotta laugh – either at your baby, your older child or yourself.
Hearing what other moms and dads do or did in similar moments can be empowering, or, in the case of The Mama-logues – a sometimes poignant, sometimes raucous show in celebration of parenthood – a real hoot.
The show will be staged at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in West Seattle, April 26 and 27, starting at 7 p.m.
The Mama-logues, now in its second year, is a hilarious showcase of writers – some nationally recognized, some local and obscure – who have captured the glories and challenges of raising children in ways readers and listeners can relate to. Among the authors from whose books the show is drawn are: comedian Ellen DeGeneres, poet Billy Collins and actress/musician Moon Unit Zappa.
Seattleite Laurie Levy, a doula and licensed massage therapist, says that she created The Mama-logues because she needed a creative outlet after the birth of her third son. She also wanted to give back to the community.
“I wanted to have some laughs, be on stage and send some favorite charities some cash,” says Levy. Proceeds from the show will benefit Open Arms Perinatal Services, which provides community-based doula care and other support for women throughout her childbearing year, and West Seattle Baby, which distributes diapers, clothing, toys and other essential equipment to families in need.
Levy hopes that moms, dads, grandparents and childcare providers – anyone who deals daily with infants and children – will come to the show ready to give themselves a break.
“I hope viewers will have a great experience and take themselves and other moms a bit more lightly,” she says. “I hope they will give themselves some credit for the work they do.”
During the show, Levy, other birth professionals and other parent-actors, will read – and in most cases, vocally interpret – excerpts from books and writings exploring the wild world of parenting. From redirecting a child with autism about to make a big social mistake to Dr. Seuss’ Oh the Places You’ll Go to Zappas’s raunchy essay on getting back to sex after baby arrives, the reading selections are sure to touch your heart and tickle your funny bone.
“The stories all speak to me,” says Levy, who worked with show director Rusty Wycoff to choose the pieces that will appear in this year’s show. “I am looking for a specific voice when I pick them: Are they by moms about motherhood rather than making fun of moms and motherhood? I am looking for the kernel of truth, not the hyperbole that tends to get published in blogs.”
Because The Mama-logues seeks to present some of the truest moments of parenting, Levy suggests leaving young children at home.
“My kids are NOT coming – it’s really 13 and up,” she stresses. Some of the readings include raw language and sexual content. Wine and beer will be available for purchase, as will desserts. Levy hopes people will also bring disposable diapers to help pad Westside Baby’s shelves.
Levy says she drew inspiration for the show from a quote written in the 1700s by Lord Byron: “And for if I laugh at any mortal thing – ‘tis that I may not weep.”
“Truer words have not been spoken about parenting,” says Levy. “It is the hardest and best work I have ever done, and some days I want to quit and run away, and some days I want to eat my kids because I love them so much.”
Is it important for parents to laugh at this dichotomy so many feel?
“Laugh? Hells yes,” says Levy, quoting a piece that will appear in The Mama-logues show. “Otherwise I would go nuts!”
