Record-setting run

"Hot Aging Women," a locally-written Valley Performing Arts production, can be seen once more on Thursday, but in a matter of days, the added performance sold out.

The production has sold out its entire run, but a special Thursday performance was added last Friday. By Sunday, the show was sold out.

The Thursday performance has a special meaning, too, as the money raised will be contributed to Janet Stotts to help cover medical expenses. Stotts, a longtime VPA volunteer, who is battling a serious illness without medical insurance.

Last week, "Hot Aging Women" set the Valley Performing Arts three-day record for patrons, besting a three-day performance of the wildly-popular "The Sound Of Music" a few years ago. VPA Managing Producer John Fairfield said the production has been one of VPA's top productions in recent memory.

"I think it's so popular because it strikes a resonance with a lot of people," Fairfield said. "A great many of the people who called me and bought tickets were from Anchorage, and certainly, a lot were women. Other than that, I can't explain it."

The production was written by Rachel Underwood, KerryAnn Byrd and Judy Dossett, all of whom also star in the VPA production. It details the life experiences of women going through their "middle years," and the challenges they face, including the loss of a parent, the empty-nest syndrome, adoption and a host of other issues.

"We're hoping all who attend will be able to relate, because everyone knows a hot, aging woman," Underwood said. "You may be married to one, you may have a sister, a mom, whatever. Age isn't what makes the woman. My daughter is only 30, but she's a hot aging woman."

The production has been met with positive reviews. Fairfield said the popularity isn't just because three Valley women wrote it.

"We have had locally-written productions in the past that were not met with as much success, so I don't think that is necessarily the reason," Fairfield said.

Because of the immense success of the production, Fairfield said he has looked at adding performances, but other than the special benefit performance on Thursday night, no others will be added.

"We can't extend it beyond its run because of the timing with the next production, and the time required for building a set. We have only 19 days between productions," Fairfield said. "We thought about adding a Saturday matinee, but the performers didn't think their voices would hold. I have nothing more to offer, and that grieves me."

"Hot Aging Women" runs from Thursday through Sunday at Machetanz Theatre in Wasilla. Show times are at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, interested people can contact VPA at 373-0195.