Murder is in the Air

The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 3 – Hell in a Handbag Productions

They’re ba-a-a-ck! No, not the ghosts and demons from “Poltergeist,” but those mature mistresses of mirth and mayhem from Miami—The Golden Girls. Spring brings another go-round of these wildly popular, elusive “lost episodes,” brought together in a third volume of over-the-top antics and adult humor by Hell in a Handbag. This time the writing credits have been shared by talented actor, David Lipschutz and Artistic Director and Windy City pop icon, David Cerda. There are a couple of new faces among the cast this time around, as well as a new guest director and a fancy new scenic design. But the end result is the same: an entertaining, laugh-your-face-off evening of adult hilarity and high jinks.

As in the past, two of the “lost” episodes appear back-to-back in this 90-minute show. Act I is entitled “Caged Miami Heat,” but has absolutely no connection with the NBA team. Instead the story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Coco, the Girls’ handsome, gay housekeeper, only seen during the TV show’s first season, and then suddenly, inexplicably goes missing. One day, out of the blue, a police officer arrives to arrest the four ladies, who are all suspected of killing their comely cook. How will Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia ever get out of this predicament? 

“Murder on the Sicilian Express,” a take-off on the title of the Agatha Christie mystery, involves yet another death. Murder seems to be in the air in 1980’s Miami. This time three of the ladies are each accused of killing one of their own, Dorothy’s acid-tongued Italian mamma, Sophia Petrillo. Despite being deceased, Sophia remains primly seated on the sofa, still clutching her handbag in a tight death grip. The episode flashes back to reveal how and why Dorothy, Rose and Blanche may have committed the heinous act. Also on hand to help sleuth the case is one of television’s most famous amateur detectives from the 1980’s, Jessica Fletcher, from “Murder She Wrote.” This clever plot twist smartly brings together the characters from two beloved TV sitcoms. It goes without saying that hilarity ensues.

Guest director, Miles Brindley has expertly guided his talented cast in creating characters who are faithful to the original personalities, while still managing to push the envelope a bit. He makes excellent use of the intimate Mary’s Attic stage. On a gorgeous, new set, designed by Christopher Rhoton, Brindley utilizes every inch of playing area, including the space below the sound and light booth. This time around, costumer Gregory Graham has bedecked the cast in period polyester frocks, while Keith Ryan returns with his array of bodacious bouffant wigs. Danny Rockett’s sound design and Liz Cooper’s lighting are both spot-on and create just the right mood. Robert Williams, who wonderfully plays several roles in this lost episode, serves as Emcee at the top of the show, leading the audience in a singalong of the show’s famous theme song, “Thank You For Being a Friend.”

Most of the original cast has returned to this production. David Cerda is back as Dorothy Zbornak, with her towering stature, deep, gravelly baritone and Bea Arthur’s signature droll, deadpan takes to the audience. Mr. Cerda is, as always, perfection. As one of Chicago’s finest comic actors, Ed Jones brings back his wide-eyed innocent look, platinum blonde hair-do and disarming smile to the role of dimwitted Rose Nylund, as played by the incomparable Betty White. The terrific Grant Drager, who has made the oversexed persona of Blanche Devereaux all his own, returns once again to evoke laughter with his licentious behavior. Navigating the play with Rue McClanahan’s signature drawl, pulsating hips and batting eyelids, Mr. Drager is a comedic Southern confection.

New to the cast this time around are two new faces. First is Ryan Oates, who plays television’s first lady of Sicily, Sophia. Mr. Oates is a strong actor and has Estelle Getty’s salty attitude down pat. However, as good as Ryan is in this role, I miss Adrian Hadlock’s flawless portrayal of Dorothy’s 83-year-old mother. Theatergoers viewing “The Golden Girls” parody for the first time, however, won’t have any complaints with Oates’ impersonation of Sophia. The second newcomer is Casey Coppess who plays both Coco and Rose’s blind sister, Lily. He’s a superb actor and makes the most of his two comic roles.

Back for another helping of hilarity are Lori Lee, who plays Konga, a jailhouse beauty, and Stan, Dorothy’s estranged husband. She also hosts the Trivia Contest that takes place during the intermission. Gifted Michael Rashid, who brilliantly played Dorothy at certain performances in the last installment of “Lost Episodes,” is once again terrific as Miles, Gloria and several other roles. As mentioned, the strong comic actor, Robert Williams, is great as both Helen and Miss Jenkins. And, last but not least, Danne W. Taylor, who wowed audiences in Pride Films & Plays’ “His Greatness” and “Hurricane Damage,” returns to “The Golden Girls.” This time Mr. Taylor’s drop dead funny as tough, jailbird Lottie and fussy author and amateur detective, Jessica Fletcher. Taylor is top drawer in anything he plays and can steal a scene with just a glance.

Doing what they do best, David Cerda’s Hell in a Handbag Productions continues their gayly delightful satires of “The Golden Girls.” It’s a franchise that shows no signs of stopping. A great way to usher in the Spring, and continuing at Mary’s Attic through the heat of Summer, this comic pageant of period frocks, pouffy hair and preposterous plots is sure to bring contagious giggles and loud laughter to everyone wanting to say, “Thank you for 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.