By Tyler BIDDLE

The plight of middle-aged women everywhere takes center stage on Feb. 26 and Feb. 27 at the Alex Theatre in “Menopause the Musical” and female military veterans are getting a special treat, courtesy of the YWCA and the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women.

The musical is described as a “celebration of women and the change” and will feature a host of musical numbers dedicated to everything from hot flashes to chocolate cravings. The international hit began its run over a decade ago in 2001.

On Feb. 26, there will be a special reception for long term supporters of the YWCA including a meet and greet with the cast, a CD of the songs from the play, and an introduction before the performance about the YWCA and its history.

For the performance on Feb. 27, the YWCA and the City of Glendale Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) are teaming up to get women veterans into the production. First, the YWCA in Glendale will be hosting “Leading With Resiliency and Grace,” a three-day workshop for female vets from Feb. 27 to March 1. Then, on Feb. 27, the CSW will be buying tickets for the female vets to see “Menopause the Musical” at no cost.

Anyone attending the Alex Theatre’s performances of Menopause can purchase tickets with the code: GYWCA. Doing so will automatically donate 10% of their ticket fee to the YWCA and its programs.

“We are so grateful for GFour Productions for this opportunity,” said Lisa Raggio, the senior director of Community Services, Development and Communications at the YWCA of Glendale.

The workshop and free tickets for women veterans are part of a much larger effort to create better services and resources for female veterans by working with the California Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

“We at the YWCA have identified a critical need for the female veterans,” said Raggio.

One goal is to create a comprehensive resource center with a variety of different support options including resources for childcare, peer support, financial literacy, a computer lab, and help with resume writing, just to name a few.

“This is the beginning of [a movement] that we will continue,” added Raggio who explained that these efforts will be the start of a collaborative effort to support female veterans in the community on a much deeper level.

“Menopause the Musical” plays at the Alex Theatre on 216 N. Brand Blvd. in Glendale on Tuesday, Feb. 26 and Wednesday, Feb. 27. Use the code: GYWCA when purchasing tickets to support the YWCA’s efforts for women veterans.

  Tyler BIDDLE