Stellar Cast Announced Plus New Shows Added to New Zealand Tour of Menopause the Musical!
Published: Tuesday 3 February 2026
The international smash-hit Menopause The Musical is set to turn up the heat in New Zealand this March and April, and today we’re thrilled to reveal the stellar cast who’ll lead the laughter — and the power surges.
At the heart of this red hot comedy is a cast drawn from the top tier of stage and screen, featuring vocal powerhouse Akina Edmonds. Her career spans global musical theatre juggernauts The Lion King and Hamilton, and television roles familiar to audiences from Home & Away. A finalist on The Voice Australia, she brings star quality, emotional depth and formidable vocal firepower to the stage.
Joining her is Ali Harper, one of New Zealand’s most respected and recognisable entertainers. A multi-award-winning performer, producer and writer, Harper (Bombshells, Songs For Nobodies, Judy’s Encore, Legendary Divas) has spent more than three decades captivating audiences at home and internationally, earning a reputation for razor-sharp comedy, warmth and commanding stage presence.
Also appearing is Petrina Chisholm (The Vagina Monologues, Come From Away, That Bloody Woman, Mamma Mia! and Miss Saigon), a supremely versatile performer whose career spans musical theatre, bands, corporate entertainment and education. An experienced director and educator as well as a performer, Chisholm brings depth, musicality and a finely tuned comic sensibility to the production.
Completing the cast is Sarah Kelly, a seasoned performer with more than two decades’ experience across musical theatre and live entertainment. Her credits include Come From Away, Mamma Mia!, Kinky Boots, That Bloody Woman, Avenue Q and The Producers, alongside extensive work with leading corporate entertainment companies. Known for her versatility, warmth and vocal strength, Kelly brings polish, energy and experience to the company.
Together, these women represent some of the most experienced stars of stage and screen — performers who bring lived experience, powerhouse vocals and impeccable comic timing to a show that thrives on honesty, heart and hilarity.
THE ULTIMATE LADIES’ NIGHT OUT
Ladies, it’s time to embrace The Change with a night out full of uncontrollable laughter, uplifting celebration and shared sisterhood. Menopause The Musical is an international phenomenon, set in a department store where four women meet by chance while shopping for a black lace bra. Though they couldn’t be more different, they quickly discover a shared bond over memory loss, hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and much more. What follows is a hilarious, heart-warming musical journey through “The Change” — told with love, laughter and the greatest hits of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.
The 90-minute romp gets audiences out of their seats dancing and singing along to clever parodies of beloved pop classics. It’s a celebration for every woman who’s ever experienced “The Silent Passage” — and for everyone who knows one.
From the producer of Chicago The Musical and under special license from GFour Productions, winners of more than 40 Tony Awards®, Menopause The Musical has entertained more than 17 million fans worldwide, been translated into nine languages and performed in over 500 cities. Its enduring appeal lies in its honesty, hilarity and heart — celebrating women everywhere and turning shared experiences into shared joy.
As creator Jeanie Linders famously said, the show was “inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine.” Decades later, it remains enlightening, enriching and empowering.
“It’s a party every night!”
“Women walk in as strangers and leave as friends.”
“Men love it too!”
Don’t miss the red-hot comedy that has everyone talking — Menopause The Musical, touring New Zealand in March and April.
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster and local box offices.
Presented by Stars of the Stage, with special license from GFour Productions – winners of more than 40 Tony Awards®.
