Another Helping of Cheesecake

The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 2 – Hell in a Handbag 

 

 They say that everything old is new again, and that adage couldn’t be more apropos up at Mary’s Attic. Building upon the wild popularity of their recent production of “The Golden Girls,” talented Artistic Director and accomplished actor David Cerda has apparently discovered a new batch of “lost episodes” from the popular TV show’s six seasons, much to the delight of his faithful audiences. Once again Hell in a Handbag Productions transports their eager fans back to Miami in the 1980’s, paying loving homage to the caring relationships between these four mature women and to revel in their hilarious adventures. While relaxing on their palm-lined lanai, the girls offer up with another helping of cheesecake while joining together to solve a new series of problems.

Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia return, along with some of their friends and family members, for another summer of silliness. Back in their colorful polyester frocks and retro bouffant wigs, designed once again by Keith Ryan, this latest parody by Jeff Award-winner, David Cerda, who not only wrote the script and designed the costumes (assisted by Rose Ryan), but once again reprises his role as Dorothy Sbornak. No one else could recreate Bea Arthur’s portrayal from the television series. With his towering presence, gravelly baritone voice and deadpan takes to the audience, Mr. Cerda is, once again, perfection.

Also back in his stylish pumps is Handbag’s incomparable comic treasure, Ed Jones, once again playing Rose Nylund. A master of Betty White’s signature deer-in-the-headlight reactions, Mr. Jones can inspire laughter, simply by stepping upon the stage. Jones’ blonde, cotton candy coif, his wide-eyed innocence and naive predicaments are topped only by his character’s exhausting, intricate and inane stories about growing up in rural Minnesota. In one of these new lost episodes, Hans, a St. Olaf law official, unexpectedly shows up in Florida to arrest Rose for the murder of a much-beloved, harmonica-playing bovine celebrity. But, as in typical “Golden Girls” fashion, Rose’s devoted friends come to her aid. 

Returning for another go around is Adrian Hadlock, recreating his spot-on portrayal of Dorothy’s 83-year-old mother, Sophia Petrillo. Playing Sicily’s favorite daughter, the diminutive Mr. Hadlock perfectly nails everything about Estelle Getty’s performance: her walk, her staccato vocal pattern, her birdlike glare, the way she keeps a death-hold on her purse—everything. Inspiring so many laughs and so authentic, theatergoers might think that Hell in a Handbag Productions has magically resurrected the ghost of Estelle Getty to bring Sophia back to life.

This summer, ensemble member Grant Drager creates the role of Blanche Devereaux, the oversexed Southern belle, whose Floridian flat is home to all four ladies. The svelte Mr. Drager has certainly done his homework, mastering Blanche’s every move, scampering across the stage in his high heels, flirting shamelessly with every man, posing sensuously and flashing that seductive smile for which actress Rue McClanahan became so famous. Mr. Drager isn’t exactly new to this role, however, having played Blanche in last year’s holiday version of “The Golden Girls.” Based on the steamy charisma Mr. Drager brings to this character, Blanche is in very good hands—as she’d want to be.

As in David Cerda’s original “Lost Episodes,” this sequel also features some of the same familiar supporting characters, while introducing a few new faces. Playing several roles, Michael Rashid makes his Handbag debut as Rose’s gentleman friend, Miles. He also steps into a couple drag roles, as Esther and Heidi. Michael S. Miller is very funny as Hans, a Scandinavian detective from Minnesota, as well as an Emcee and a woman named Pamela. And one of Handbag’s favorite versatile young actors, handsome Chazie Bly strips down to a sensuously abbreviated leather ensemble, to play Rose’s date, Jazzy Jeff. He also dons the feminine footwear and a fright wig to play both Agnes and Rose’s blind sister, Lily.

Welcomed by ensemble member Lori Lee, the hostess encourages the audience to sing along with the famous opening number, “Thank You For Being a Friend.” She also entertains between each episode with a “Golden Girls” trivia contest, during which winning audience members may earn prizes from her “body bag.” This summer’s production is skillfully staged by guest director, Becca Holloway, and she’s done a great job of keeping this cast in constant motion.

This summer, for another rollicking trip down memory lane with Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia, Hell in a Handbag is serving up a generous helping of offbeat, side-splitting adult humor that won’t be found anywhere else in Chicago. Beneath the period costumes, the pouffy wigs and the preposterous plots there beats a gentle heart. It’s the same message that made the original TV series, seen from the mid-80’s to the early-90’s, and currently enjoyed in syndication, such a memorable, much-loved experience. Because, in the end, amid all the humor, “The Golden Girls” is a welcomed tribute to being a friend.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

             

Presented June 19-September 7 by Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door, by calling 800-838-3006 or by going to www.handbagproductions.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.