‘Funny women of a certain age’ coming to Milford Theater

The show “Funny women of a certain age” is coming to the Milford Theater on January 27 and will prove that funny never gets old. Credit for the phrase, “women of a certain age” is generally given to the poet Lord Byron who, in 1822, nastily used it for women who were thought to be past their prime. The phase has been continued to be used either as a polite way to refer to older women, or more negatively, about women who are no longer attractive. It’s worth noting that there is no equivalent phrase for men.

Enter comedian Carole Montgomery who was frustrated with how women past 50 were treated on television (and elsewhere) and decided to do something about it. She created a show called “Women of a certain age,” specifically to give older women comics a chance to be heard. And thus, has helped to turn the negative connotation of the phrase into something positive — one joke at a time.

Montgomery is a seasoned (another word for “old”) performer. Aside from numerous television performances, she is a well-known stand-up comedian who has headlined clubs and colleges across the country, and also starred in two different Las Vegas production shows.

In addition, she created and produced the show for two Showtime specials and even copyrighted the title. It was the network’s highest rated comedy special and the first to feature six women over the age of 50.

In addition to the Showtime productions, Montgomery is taking the show to stages all over the country. The women who appear with her in the show are fierce voices against sexism and ageism. And the rotating cast will be going on tour this year. Some of the comedians Montgomery has already brought to stage are Fran Drescher, Wendy Liebman, and Janeane Garofalo. The New York Times says, “These comedians don’t hold anything back.” The San Antonio Express calls Montgomery, “One of the pioneering female comics of the modern era.”

She has appeared on “Oprah” and the “Tonight Show,” among others.

Beth O’Neil, artistic director of the Milford Theater, remarked, “I’m thrilled to see how well this show with powerhouse female comedians is selling! The lineup is filled with top talent, and I know our patrons are going to love every second of this show.”

The patrons will love it, indeed, because the show appeals directly to their demographic. The median age of women in Pike County is 49.7 and the county is a beacon for retirees. The median age in some of the local communities is even higher. In Hawley, the median age for women is 56.9 and in Honesdale, it is 51 years. With this baby-boomer population growing older, Pennsylvania is fifth in the nation with the size of its population aged 65 and older.

So, hail to Carole Montgomery and to all “women of a certain age” who can look forward to a very funny evening and turn Lord Byron’s negative connotation to a hilariously positive one.

The show “Funny women of a certain age” will take place at 8 p.m. on January 27 in the Milford Theater, 114 East Catherine St., Milford. Tickets can be purchased through ticketmaster.com.