'Babes' ready to take the Encore stage

3/5/2013

By DAWNE LEIKER

dleiker@dailynews.net

In a time when consumers' entertainment dollars can be in short supply, Four Bitchin' Babes take its entertainment job seriously.

"We get that there are a lot of wonderful things to do and see," said Sally Fingerett, one of the original members of the four-woman musical review. "We're there to lift and separate you from your daily grind.

"That is our job."

The Four Bitchin' Babes' musical theater show "MidLife Vices ... A Guilt Free Musical Revue" is an Encore Series event based on the ensemble's ninth recording. The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Fort Hays State University's Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

Comprised of Fingerett, Debi Smith, Marcy Marxer and Deirdre Flint, "Four Bitchin' Babes" debuted more than 20 years ago. Each member has multiple talents, including vocals, piano, guitar, bass, Irish bodhran, musical composition, and stand-up comedy. Residing in separate cities, the "Babes" represent diverse lifestyles but come together with luxurious harmonies and sophisticated humor.

"We take turns in the spotlight supporting one another," Fingerett said. "On one song, Debi will be a diamond brooch and the three of us will be the black velvet the brooch fits on.

"The show is like this ... where you see the love and support of the women together supporting the other when she takes her turn to talk about her life. But the thing is, it's all fun."

The show, which Fingerett said is "man-friendly," holds contemporary life up to the light and exposes it through "four whacky viewfinders."

A few of the musical numbers featured on the "Midlife Vices" album include, "Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda," "History of Cheese," and "Hungarian Hormonal Rhapsody."

"It's just a feel-good show," Fingerett said. "We are out to make everybody feel good about themselves, ultimately."

Tickets can be purchased at the FHSU Student Service Center, Memorial Union. General public: Reserved $30, unreserved $26; seniors and ages 5 to 17: reserved $28, unreserved $24; FHSU students: reserved $21, unreserved $17.

"We've seen a lot of positive interest in MidLife Vices," said Vince Bowhay, Memorial Union assistant director. "I think the FHSU and Hays community are excited to welcome the women back to our area.

"There are tickets still available, and I know that this is going to be a fun show."