‘Vanities: The Musical’ – A Nostalgic, Melodic Journey Through Friendship
There’s something undeniably charming about a musical that takes a simple story and elevates it through a lush, evocative score. Vanities: The Musical, with a book by Jack Heifner and music and lyrics by David Kirshenbaum, does just that. Adapted from Heifner’s 1976 play, this small but poignant show traces the lives of three Texas women as they grow from high school cheerleaders into adulthood, navigating love, loss, and the shifting expectations of womanhood in the latter half of the 20th century. Now making its Michigan premiere at Meadow Brook Theatre under the direction of Travis W. Walter, the production delivers a heartfelt and tuneful exploration of friendship’s resilience over time.
[Warning: spoilers from Meadow Brook Theatre’s Vanities: The Musical are below!]
Vanities’ music serves as the emotional crux of this Meadow Brook production
At the heart of Vanities: The Musical is Kirshenbaum’s music—a buoyant, harmony-rich score reflecting the central trio’s changing emotional landscape. The songs capture each phase of their lives with stylistic shifts that reflect their evolving perspectives. The early numbers sparkle with youthful enthusiasm, reminiscent of classic musical theater and 1960s girl-group pop. As the characters mature and begin to face disillusionment with the reality of their situations, the melodies take on a more introspective, contemporary Broadway tone, with ballads that tug at the heartstrings and lyrics that lay bare the characters’ inner struggles.
Under the musical direction of David Caldwell, the vocal performances are a standout feature of the production. Each of the three characters is given a distinct musical identity, yet their voices blend beautifully in moments of group harmony, reinforcing their deep bond. Songs like “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and “An Organized Life” showcase the lighthearted, humorous side of the show, offering a peek into the characters’ ambitions and insecurities. Meanwhile, emotionally charged numbers such as “Cute Boys with Short Haircuts” and “Friendship Isn’t What It Used to Be” reveal the heartbreak and loneliness lurking beneath their polished exteriors.
A small but mighty cast carries this Jack Heifner show
It’s not very often that you see a show with such a small cast. There are only three people on stage, except for the crew members who help move some pieces on and off the stage. A lack of an ensemble to back up the principal actors can come with challenges and pressures, as the entire show rides on the shoulders of the three actors. It provides an intimate theater experience, but also means there’s nowhere to hide if anything goes wrong. However, this approach also allows for a true showcase of talent, allowing each star of Vanities: The Musical to have their moment to shine.
Katherine Alexis Thomas is a force to be reckoned with as the group leader, Kathy. Straight-laced, structure-seeking Kathy thinks she has it all figured out earlier in the show; however, as Vanities: The Musical progresses, she learns that the only consistency in life is that no one ever has it figured out. There are so many layers to this character, which many actors would have difficulty authentically portraying, but Thomas gives a strong performance that proves her talent. She commands the stage, providing a range of emotions without saying a single word. Thomas is a master of her craft, grounding Vanities: The Musical with a remarkable performance.
Caroline Moulios gives a hilarious performance as Joanne, the ditzy blonde of the three. She provides most of the show’s levity, making audiences roar with laughter from her first interaction with the other actors. However, she never makes Joanne feel like a caricature; instead, she gives her a healthy dose of realism throughout the show. She’s struggling in the life she’s always imagined, wanting nothing more to be a wife and mother, but finding it impossible to be happy with. Moulios’ performance is nuanced, shining with her bubbly personality, but also breaking your heart along with Joanne’s, making for an excellent performance that audiences will be talking about for a long time.
Mary’s journey throughout Vanities: The Musical vastly differs from her counterparts, giving Em Hadick so much to work with. Mary’s motivations are to get out of the life she’s lived, finding excitement and joy in life instead of settling for the same old as the other two. Hadick’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing their range in both acting and musical abilities. They made Mary, who could be seen as unlikeable, incredibly charming. I found myself drawn to their character specifically, as she grows the most from the beginning of the musical to the end. Hadick has such fantastic control of their abilities, making Mary feel real and making this musical a must-see.
The staging and movement in Vanities: The Musical help move the time-jumping narrative
The staging is straightforward but effective, with scenic designer Mia Irwin crafting a space that adapts fluidly to the different time periods. Karen Kangas-Preston’s costume design is particularly notable, subtly marking the passage of time through shifts in fashion that reflect not only the era but the personal growth of each character. The lighting by Neil Koivu and sound design by Brendan Eaton ensure that every emotional beat lands, supporting the story without distraction.
Choreographer Debbie Williams keeps the movement purposeful, using simple yet evocative staging rather than large, showy dance numbers. This choice aligns well with the musical’s intimate nature, allowing the characters’ personal transformations to take center stage rather than overwhelming them with spectacle.
Final thoughts on Vanities: The Musical
If there’s a critique to be made, it’s that the book doesn’t always dig as deeply into the characters’ struggles as the music does. While the nostalgia and sisterhood are beautifully portrayed, certain conflicts—such as their shifting perspectives on marriage, careers, and independence—feel somewhat underdeveloped. The show leans heavily on its score to provide emotional depth, and while the music succeeds in doing so, the story itself occasionally feels like a surface-level journey through familiar archetypes.
That said, Vanities: The Musical succeeds in what it sets out to do: tell a relatable, emotionally resonant story through song. Its themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the passage of time are universally appealing, and the score provides plenty of memorable moments that will linger long after the final note fades. For audiences who appreciate strong vocal performances and heartfelt storytelling through music, this production offers a satisfying and melodic night at the theater. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it spins it with sincerity, humor, and a keen sense of nostalgia.
Vanitites: The Musical is running at Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester, MI, and officially opens on Saturday! Get your tickets now before it closes on April 13! Are you excited to see this musical at Meadow Brook? Have you seen it before? Let us know your thoughts on social media @boxseatbabes!
