The article reviews the world premiere of 'Happy Pleasant Valley: A Senior Sex Scandal Murder Mystery Musical', highlighting its comedic take on elderly sexuality. The plot follows Jade, a beauty influencer who must assist her grandmother, June, in clearing her name amidst a series of deaths among her romantic partners. The storyline confronts ageism while promoting themes of love, friendship, and sexual empowerment among seniors. Despite some pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots, the production delivers an engaging, humorous narrative that challenges societal norms regarding senior citizens and sexuality.
In Min Kahng's musical, grandmas aren't neutered, cuddly bunny slippers but feisty, frisky animals who go "Rawr!" Such is the giddying premise of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley and Center Repertory Company's world premiere.
The musical hits its stride when Jade starts interviewing June's neighbors about their sex lives as a pretext for snooping for clues.
Still, exposition encumbers. Some hot mic ageism sends beauty influencer Jade on a quest for some PR-boosting community service with the elderly.
If the result more galumphs than fizzes, failing to root for it anyway would be like cheering against true love, hard-won friendship, biological and chosen family bonding.
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