February 25, 2010 

BY DARLENE DONLOE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER 

 Iona Morris and Mariann Aalda are two women who are unafraid and uninhibited.

Good thing, because if they weren’t, it would be difficult to pull off their unbelievably sexually-charged, powerhouse performances in the musical “M.O.I.S.T.,” now playing at the Hayworth Theatre in Los Angeles.

“M.O.I.S.T,” an acronym for the Multiple Orgasm Initiative for Sexual Transformation, is an in-your-face, unrestrained comedy that celebrates the “seasoned woman.”

Playing sisters Sonia Peechee and Ginger Peechee-Keene in this adult-themed, sex-istential production, Morris, who is in her 50s and Aalda, who is 61, say and do things on stage that would make a sailor blush.This play is not for the prudish, repressed or easily embarrassed.

It’s an all out sex fest that includes an open discussion and motivational workshop on the changes a mature woman’s body goes through and how said change could influence her sexual experiences.

Both Morris (“As The World Turns”) and Aalda (“Edge of Night”) give courageous performances that hang precariously on the edge. But, that’s exactly what makes the show so entertaining. It doesn’t play it safe. It has just the right amount of naughtiness, allowing the audience a voyeuristic, I-shouldn’t-be-watching-this experience.

There are natural comparisons to “The Vagina Monologues” and “Menopause: The Musical.” However, “M.O.I.S.T” focuses on a mature woman’s ability to continue to get her “sex on” at any age. It celebrates the many aspects of a woman, including her inner strength, femininity, frailties, vulnerability, but most of all, her ability to rise – regardless of the circumstances.With well-paced staging from Penny Johnson Jerald (“24,” “The Larry Sanders Show”) that provides great use of the space, writer-creators Morris and Aalda, make the most out of the material. The result is both informative and entertaining. 

The actresses complement each other. Their timing and high-energy is on target as is their ability to effectively engage audience members while not losing character. The combination adds to the play’s appeal.“M.O.I.S.T.” is presented in a good-natured, fun-filled, hilarious atmosphere, packed with songs, dancing, laughs, costumes and, of course, lots of sexual innuendo.

The two-hour cavalcade of sex explores everything from a young girl’s first sexual experience, to same sex encounters, self-gratification, Cougar sex (older woman, younger man), lost love and more. OK, yes, the play doesn’t offer any fresh insights into older women and sex. But, it is most interesting when it looks beyond the physical. Yes, sometimes the material goes for the easy laugh. Nothing wrong with that. A good guffaw could hit just the right G spot. 

“M.O.I.S.T” is sure to whet the audience’s appetite. Kudos to Morris, Aalda and Jerald.“M.O.I.S.T” stars Morris and Aalda, is directed by Jerald and produced by Dominic Oliver and Danna Hyams.Showtime information: “M.O.I.S.T.,” The Hayworth Theatre, 2511 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; 7 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 28. Tickets are $15 to $25 for the regular run. Web sites: www.moistonstage.com, www.thehayworth.com. Contact: (323) 960-4442 for the Sunday show.