Mom’s The Word is a relatable and hilarious look at motherhood that had the audience both laughing at its unexpected antics and tearing up at its more tender moments.
Expertly acted by a cast of five women (Keara Barnes as Deb, Yumi Ogawa as Linda, Tamara McCarthy as Robin, Anna Russell as Jill, and Sara Bynoe as Alison) the production is part comedy, part variety show, reminiscent of a one-woman-show divided into five perspectives.
Each of the characters has a different outlook on the struggles of the early years of motherhood and describe all of the hilarious situations they inadvertently find themselves in as they cope with raising tiny human in their own unique way.
Looking at parenting through these different perspectives ensures the humour and stories shared by the moms will be relatable to everyone. The parents in the audience will definitely be able to see themselves reflected in at least one of the character’s experiences.
All of the women do come together, however, sharing moments where they reflect on the universal aspects of motherhood like the pressures to be a perfect parent, their partners not quite understanding what they’re going through, and the overwhelming amount of love they have for their children.
Some of these moments are told through group musical numbers which include everything from surprising breast milk jokes to songs performed using tiny children’s musical instruments. Almost like a fever dream at times, the five vivid vignettes come together using everything from music, colour, anecdotes and sometimes dirty humour to create a truly inanimate look at motherhood.
Mom’s The Word’s more tender side also includes Alison’s experience of having a baby in the NICU which is included throughout the production’s two-hour run-time, helping to balance the humour and heartache.
Originally produced in 1994 for the Vancouver’s Women in View Festival, the Theatre Northwest production of Mom’s The Word has been ever-so-slightly updated to include contemporary references and small shout-outs to local parenting spots like Lil Hopper’s Cafe and the Duchess Park Playground.
The production was directed by Deborah Williams who is one of the original moms that wrote and created the show including Linda A. Carson, Jill Daum, Alison Kelly, Robin Nichol, and Barbara Pollard.
Since the 90s Mom’s The Word has spawned several sequels and productions have been performed to more than 200,000 people across Canada. The award-winning performance has also been a fan favourite at international comedy festivals and is performed globally in a variety of languages.
After seeing Theatre Northwest’s production, it’s no surprise why Mom’s The Word has such staying power and international appeal. It is simply an evening of hilarious stories about motherhood, bittersweet monologues, and poetic reflections that are entertaining for parents and non-parents alike.
Mom’s The Word is the final production in Theatre Northwest’s current season and it runs until May 4.
