Mother’s Day is not all ‘Momsense’

Off-Broadway musical coming to Community Middle School in Plainsboro.

By: Gwen Runkle
   Motherhood is most often a thankless job.
   From wiping runny noses and changing dirty diapers to packing lunches and checking homework, moms seldom get the recognition they truly deserve.
   But with Mother’s Day right around the corner and a special show coming to the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, now’s your chance to show mom how much she really means to you.
   The show "Momsense," a one-hour, off-Broadway musical comedy cabaret-style review about the trials and tribulations of motherhood, will be coming to Community Middle School in Plainsboro on May 29.
   The show, created by four Manhattan moms who star and perform musical numbers on universal topics, such as trying to get a babysitter, sibling rivalry, excuses at bedtime, less than helpful husbands and much more, will begin at 8 p.m. at the middle school.
   The Dutch Neck Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association is sponsoring the event. Proceeds of ticket sales and a gift basket auction following the show will go to the PTA.
   "We were looking for something new to do as a fund-raiser," said Jane Rumack, PTA president. "A friend of mine went to see ‘Momsense’ and thought it was great."
   Since premiering in April 2000 at Don’t Tell Mama in Manhattan’s theater district, "Momsense" has raised more than $70,000 for all types of children’s charities.
   The show stars four moms — Harriet Berkowitz, Dana Covey, Lisa Golden and Amy Mandelbaum — and one dad, Joe Covey, on piano.
   The four women met in Manhattan through various outlets and became fast friends. They decided to combine their musical talents and song-writing skills to create "Momsense" after sharing in the many joys and challenges of motherhood.
   "We had no idea it would turn into such a great thing," Ms. Mandelbaum said. "We’ve become like sisters over the past three years and continue to write songs and perform because it feels really good to connect with all the moms out there and to be giving back to the community through raising funds for children’s charities and other programs."
   Ms. Mandelbaum is the mother of Julia, age 5, and Sam, age 2. She works as a freelance production coordinator and producer and has also started a private cake business. She studied communications at Towson State University and in her spare time acted in various plays, musicals and commercials.
   Ms. Berkowitz is the mother of two children, Jake, age 7, and Max, age 5. She works part time for a wholesale shoe company and full time as a mom. "Momsense" is her first live performance experience, although she studied theater and communications at the University of Miami.
   Ms. Covey is the mother of two children as well, Rachel, age 5, and Evan, age 2. She works part time in public relations, performs in live corporate training sessions and also produces and performs in an improv group called "Subject to Change." She majored in theater arts and communications at the University of Pennsylvania.
   Her husband, Joe, plays piano for both "Momsense" and Ms. Covey’s improv group as well as with his own jazz trio. He works for Call Sciences, a technology company.
   Ms. Golden has three children, Alexandra, age 7, Jacquelyn, age 4, and Danielle, 3 months. She works part time as a social worker in a private psychotherapy practice. She has performed in several shows both in New York City and in Stamford, Conn., as well as at the University of Pennsylvania.
   "We take motherhood, children and our responsibilities very seriously," Ms. Mandelbaum said. "But ‘Momsense’ is both touching and funny. Even for men or women without kids, it’s a lot of fun."
   Tickets are still available for the show May 29. They can be purchased for $35 by calling (609) 275-5868.