Plano surgeon Dr. Ron Friedman turns six decades of silicone, surgery and scandal into a show with a whole lot of support

Few medical inventions have inspired as many debates, headlines and raised eyebrows as breast implants. Now, the surprising story behind silicone gel implants is getting the musical treatment, complete with big laughs, original songs and, yes, plenty of boob jokes.

Plano plastic surgeon Dr. Ron Friedman is bringing that history to the stage with cleaVage, a musical comedy that explores the six-decade journey of breast implants, from medical breakthroughs and controversies to stories of identity, reconstruction and body confidence.

After a sold-out premiere last year, the show returns Oct. 15 through Nov. 1 at Theatre Three in Dallas.

From Hamilton To Hormones, History And Humor

The idea for cleaVage came to Friedman while watching a very different kind of historical musical. Yes, it was indeed Hamilton.

“As I was watching it, I thought: this is a story about American history. And I’m like, wait a minute — what could be more historic or more historically American than silicone gel implants?” he previously told Local Profile.

That moment sparked years of research into the fascinating, and sometimes unbelievable, story behind one of the most common plastic surgery procedures in the world. Friedman dug into original medical papers dating back to the 1962 study that first documented silicone gel implants, reviewed decades of research and pulled inspiration from conversations with his own patients.

The result is a show that takes a topic often discussed in clinical terms and turns it into something much more unexpected: a musical.

Boobs, Boobs And More Boobs

Created by Friedman and co-written with Laura Goodenow, cleaVage doesn’t shy away from its subject matter. The soundtrack includes songs with titles like “Melon-choly,” “It’s My Choice” and “Houston Rockets,” along with an opening number simply called “Boobs!”

“The first song is called Boobs!,” Friedman said. “I think I use about 40 slang words for breasts in that song, just to get it all out of the way at the beginning. Then we can focus on the story.”

But beneath the cheeky humor is a deeper story about women’s health, breast cancer reconstruction, gender confirmation and personal choice.

“They say write what you know. Ron is a plastic surgeon, and I have boobs. In a way, we’re the dream team,” said co-writer Laura Goodenow. “For me it was essential that cleaVage address all aspects of breast augmentation, from reconstruction to gender confirmation. Equally important was a message of body positivity. It’s time we lift people up. It’s your body. You chose what you want to do with it. But don’t worry, people, this show is stupid funny first.”

A Medical History Unlike Any Other

The history behind breast implants includes plenty of unexpected moments (and even a dog). The first implants were tested on a stray named Esmeralda, who became such a memorable part of the story that she appears as a recurring character in the musical.

Other moments came directly from Friedman’s experiences with patients. One patient told him she had made it through a difficult period thanks to “faith and hope.” Friedman initially assumed she meant spirituality, until she pointed to her chest. The moment inspired the song “Faith and Hope.”

Another song was born from a Halloween costume when friends wearing traffic cones on their heads inspired a playful twist from “silly cones” to “silicone.” Friedman also turned a passing joke about saline implants being a desert survival tool into the French-inspired number “God’s Plan” (sorry, Drake, this might have you beat).

A Funny Show With A Heartfelt Message

While cleaVage embraces its ridiculous premise, the goal is more than a few laughs. Directed and music directed by Rebecca Lowrey, the production uses comedy to open conversations about body image, medical choices and resilience.

“People hear the title and expect ‘Hooters the Musical’,” said Lowrey, owner and CEO of MusicalWriters.com. “Then they see it and discover it’s funny, smart and incredibly heartfelt. It starts conversations, celebrates survivors and reminds us that laughter can be healing. We couldn’t think of a better time to share it than during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

Friedman said the return of the show represents a chance to share a story that has been years in the making.

“Laura and I are so excited that cleaVage is back and bigger than ever,” said Friedman. “I mean, who doesn’t want to see more cleaVage? Rebecca Lowrey and her talented cast and creatives will bring the world together, two breasts at a time!”

Catch The Show This Fall

The production stars Dallas performer Lee Walter, whose credits include The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, RENT and Dreamgirls. Walter plays a central role in bringing the show’s mix of comedy, history and heart to life.

Performances run Oct. 15 through Nov. 1 at Theatre Three, located at 2688 Laclede St. in Dallas. Pre-sale tickets begin at $34 starting Aug. 4, with prices increasing to $40 on Sept. 1. Senior admission is $36.

For tickets and more information, visit www.musicalwriters.com/cleaVage.

Some shows have standing ovations. This one has… built-in support.

Don’t miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.