The musical celebrating the mid-life crisis, presently playing at the Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove, allows us to do just that. We laughed and laughed, either because we're presently in that crisis, have already been in it or are on the cusp of it.

The only escape is to die before you get there, but that's not a very attractive option, either. So welcome to "Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical."

With a well-conceived book, music and lyrics by brothers Bob and Jim Walton, we are taken on a delightful journey through the joys and challenges of the 40s and 50s in one's life cycle.

Six talented actors and singers - James A. Skiba, Glenn Villa, J.W. Anderson, Mary C. DeBattista, Paula Garcia and Patti Anne Hachmeister - do the honors while the capable conductor and pianist, Donna Kummer, along with drummer Patrick Hopkins, provide the musical backdrop. All have verve and pizzazz.

The skits deal with failing looks, failing health, marital problems, job losses, parenting and taking care of aging parents. I've often been amazed at the complex demands made upon people in this age group.

If, by the time you hit your 40s, you have not acquired some marketability, some communication and problem-solving skills, good health habits and some relational abilities, you're going to be ill-equipped to cope, survive and much less thrive.

Before that happy conclusion, we chuckled our way through many numbers involving losses - husbands, wives, children, parents, althletic prowess, good looks, vigor, hair, memory and fertility.

We experienced menopause, mammograms, embarrassing physical examinations and risky medications.

Occasionally, there was a moving number. "When He Laughs" by Patti Anne and "The Long Goodbye" by Mary, Paula and Glenn touched a more somber note. Both were beautiful.

The two funniest numbers were "Another Trip to the Doctor," featuring Anderson and Villa, and "Some Kids" with Garcia and Anderson.

All in all, "Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical" was a very entertaining show and one that I would strongly recommend. The laughs were hearty and well-deserved. It was nicely directed by Mark Salentine and well costumed by Pat Boeck. The stage design by J. Michael Desper afforded a great variety of levels and groupings.

The show runs through Jan. 31. Call 262-782-4430 for times and tickets.