By JANICE RANDALL

What does a new Vashon show have in common with a beloved newspaper columnist and the author of “The Vagina Monologues?”

According to Susan McCabe, her new one-woman production, “Hot Flashes, Cold Showers,” was inspired by both.

“It’s a mix of humorous and poignant teaching moments from everyday life — as in Erma Bombeck meets Eve Ensler,” said McCabe.

The show, adapted from a dozen essays McCabe has written over the years, will have its premiere performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18, on the Blue Heron stage.

“It’s mostly about when I was trying to live my misspent youth in middle age,” she explained. “It’s also about raising adult children as a single parent, love and loneliness.”

A radio journalist originally from Chicago, McCabe has lived on Vashon since 1995. Since arriving on the Island, she has performed in Vashon Allied Arts and Drama Dock productions, as well as hosted her own show on VoV radio and TV.

She is the mother of two grown sons, both Los Angeles-based filmmakers. When not writing or performing, she coordinates Vashon Park District programs.

Suitable for ages 17 and up, “Hot Flashes” is directed by Charlotte Tiencken, who has worked with En-Joy Productions, Stone Soup Theatre, Tacoma Little Theater and more.

Pianist Jack Barbash will introduce each scene with a familiar tune from the 1940s to ’80s. McCabe will even lend her singing voice to a torch song or two related to one of her pieces. The finale will feature a recorded original tune by Luke McQuillin.

Islander Patrick McManus will perform his one-man show for the second half of the evening.

Tickets for the double-bill are $12 for VAA members, seniors and students, and $14 general admission. Call 463-5131 to reserve.