In a small, intimate theater just ten rows deep, a colorful, lively celebration of parenthood unfolds. “That Parenting Musical” isn’t your typical Broadway spectacle with grandiose sets and towering stages. Instead, it draws you in with a cozy setting that feels like you’re attending a living-room performance—if your living room was overrun by toddlers and set to music, that is.
As soon as the first actor steps on stage, you know you’re in for something special. With a cast of just six, it’s remarkable to see them slip effortlessly into more than a dozen roles, embodying everyone from the baby doctor to a rockstar, to the perpetually tired mom and dad. The actors’ ability to pivot between these vastly different characters is impressive, making the performance feel like a whirlwind tour of early parenthood’s many faces. Max Crum brings quirky charm, while McKenna Ogrodnik’s enthusiasm makes her transitions between characters so seamless, you’d think she was born for each role.
Though there’s no formal plot, the musical’s purpose is clear—it’s a love letter to parenthood. The songs, written by real-life parenting duo Graham and Kristina Fuller, capture those hilariously specific moments that every parent knows all too well. From “Toddler Travel Travesty” to “Second Child Blues,” the humor is spot on. One of our favorite numbers was “Dad Anthem: Cargo Shorts,” reminding everyone of the unmistakable dad uniform—a nod that earned an audible laugh from every father in the audience.
The music itself spans genres, jumping effortlessly from rock to ballads and everything in between, thanks to the seamless work of the band. They support the actors as they bounce between roles like a child hopped up on sugary juice boxes. The energetic shifts in musical styles highlight how unpredictable parenthood can be—one moment, you’re cooing a lullaby, and the next, you’re rocking out to a kid’s tantrum.
At its heart, “That Parenting Musical” is for those in the thick of raising kids. The raw, real moments it captures—like the battle over yoga pants (now a staple of every “official mom uniform”)—feel authentic, relatable, and incredibly funny. Whether you’re a new parent, a veteran in the trenches, or someone who just loves a good laugh, this show delivers.
You could easily imagine this musical as the perfect centerpiece for a moms’ night out, offering a much-needed break from the chaos of real-life parenting. Forget bunco night—this is where the laughter and bonding happen. As the cast and crew pour their heart into every performance, they remind us of the shared experience that is parenthood. After all, the sleepless nights and chaotic mornings are universal, and “That Parenting Musical” celebrates all of it with infectious enthusiasm.
With Jen Wineman’s sharp direction and choreography—she of Dog Man The Musical fame—this show never misses a beat. And while it pokes fun at the challenges of parenthood, it also does something even better: it celebrates them.
So, if you’re ready to laugh, cry (from laughing too hard), and relate on a level that only parents can, grab your tickets to “That Parenting Musical”—because let’s face it, you could use a night off, and this one promises to deliver.