The Valentine Edition

The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes – Hell in a Handbag Productions

The cheesecake is in the fridge, the coffee’s perking away on the counter and love is blossoming out in the lanai. Yes, it’s time for another edition of Hell in a Handbag’s rollicking parody of and homage to America’s favorite quartet of senior citizens: Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia. This time around, it’s February down in Miami and, with Valentine’s Day not far away, thoughts of love are in the air.

Artistic Director, David Cerda proudly presents another installment of the company’s crowd-pleasing parodies of the classic TV sitcom, “The Golden Girls.” This hilarious new offering features two “lost” Valentine’s Day episodes from the seven seasons of the beloved television series. Following the popularity of the last few stage installments, it’s been announced that “The Golden Girls,” along with a new parody of “The Facts of Life,” will both become regular Handbag late night offerings.

The plot of these two Valentine episodes, interspersed by a short intermission that’s perfect for topping off your drink or hitting the head, finds Dorothy once again pining for a date. The Senior Center is throwing a Sadie Hawkins Day Dance, but, sadly, Dorothy doesn’t have any prospects for a date. Rose decides to play matchmaker, setting her friend up with a gentleman whose past is a bit questionable. In another episode, Rose appears to be turning into a Lipstick Lesbian when she introduces the ladies to Chris, her new romantic interest found in the personal ads of the paper. Rose convinces the whole gang to join Lily, her blind sister, and her at the local ladies bar. A romantic evening of hummus and muffins, music and poetry awaits them, along with some unexpected surprises and lots of laughs.

Always a great time, this new seasonal installment is ably directed by Jon Martinez. The cast is, as always, a pure adult delight. Incomparable, lovable Ed Jones, the master of the ditzy blond/deer-in-the-headlights smile, reprises his role as Rose. Bodacious Blanche is played with swagger and sultry Southern style by gregarious Grant Drager. Diminutive, deadpan darling, Sophia, the elder member of the household, is winningly portrayed, as always, by Adrian Hadlock. But a new cast member, Michael Rashid, steps into the orthopedic oxfords and sweeping caftans to play Dorothy, Sophia’s masculine-appearing daughter. Michael is incredibly good with a great command of the role, portraying Dorothy in Prime Time; while David Cerda resumes the role that he made famous at the Late Night performances.

The supporting cast is superb. Danne W. Taylor is, again, absolutely hilarious as both Nancy Drew and Sylvia Martinelli. Taylor has such incredibly perfect diction and dry line delivery, along with a spot-on sense of comic timing. He almost steals every scene he’s in. Handsome Chazie Bly plays hunky stud Jazzy Jeff. Never one to forgo the chance to rip off his shirt and show off his sexy body, Chazie makes the most of his cameo appearance. But Mr. Bly also gleefully plays Lily, Rose’s fiercely independent, but blind, younger sister, with surprising relish and schtick. 

Several newcomers also grace the Handbag stage. Miles Brindley foxtrots his way through the role of Rose’s beau, Miles. He also plays Chris, Rose’s lesbian date. Ryan Oates brings unbridled energy and enthusiasm to the show as both Tommy and Phoenix. Casey Coppess brings an exciting element to Arthur and The Waiter. And Ryan Tang makes his Handbag debut as a hairy member of the Lennon Sisters, as well as Alfred, Dorothy’s date, who isn’t all he seems to be. Steve Kimbrough, while not new to Handbag productions, makes his welcome return, playing both Edith and Ariel. And, between scenes, cabaret entertainer Maureen SanDiego provides some welcoming banter and audience giveaways, with a Golden Girls trivia contest.

Working within an adaptable, sparse scenic design by Christopher Rhoton, Jon Martinez stages his production with panache. The stylish costumes, courtesy of Gregory Graham, perfect makeups by Sydney Genco and some chi-chi hair and wig designs by Keith Ryan provide the icing on the cake.

Any theatergoer who’s a fan of “The Golden Girls,” as well as the audience member who simply enjoys a relaxing evening of over-the-top drag performances, will love this production. David Cerda’s show is bawdy and just outrageous enough to provide an evening of lighthearted Valentine entertainment to the LGBT crowd and their open-minded friends. 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas   

Presented February 8-March 10 by Hell in a Handbag Productions, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-327-5252 or by going to www.handbagproductions.org.

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