Naughty and Nice

The Golden Girls: The Lost EpisodesThe Holiday Edition, Vol. 2 – Hell in a Handbag

Deck the halls and Come, all ye faithful, they’re back! But face it, how could they possibly stay away? It’s Christmas, and those merry matrons of Miami—Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia—have returned to Mary’s Attic in another holiday special. Multitalented playwright, costumer, actor and Hell in a Handbag Artistic Director, David Cerda, has once again crafted another delightfully dishy drag parody of the iconic 1980’s NBC sitcom. Due to their well-deserve popularity and bawdy, R-rated humor, these naughty but nice comedies have become a holiday staple in Chicago.

As theatergoers are thanked for being a friend, and the familiar instrumental theme music fades, we discover sweet, naive Rose joyfully putting the finishing touches on the Christmas tree. She innocently mentions how she still believes in Santa Claus. But, apart from a few risque wisecracks from the other ladies about Santa coming, Dorothy convinces Blanche and Sophia that they need to protect Rose’s feelings and humor her. The ladies are also busy putting the final touches on their musical act for the Christmas talent show. But besides looking forward to a visit from the Fat Man in the Red Suit, Rose is excitedly awaiting the arrival of another important visitor: her stern Aunt Inga, St. Olaf’s official Cheese Empress, has traveled to Miami for the big National Cheese Convention and Rose wants to impress her.

With a sentimental nod to “The Night Before Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Cerda has composed another hilarious holiday entertainment that’s tightly-written and beautifully produced. It not only focuses on the South Floridian seniors, but it features almost a dozen additional characters, a couple old favorites and several spirited newcomers. Steve Kimbrough returns to the stage as both Santa Claus and Aunt Inga, both of whom he plays with obvious relish. Kimbrough’s ill-tempered Inga makes feisty Sophia sound like Mary Poppins. She’s accompanied by Hans, her gay friend and go-fer, played with stylish flair by Michael S. Miller. He also doubles as Blanche’s friend, Alan, who’s also the mall Santa.

Michael Rashid is back once again in full force to play tough guy, Big Tony, along with the girls’ gushing gal pal, Esther. And the always effervescent and delightful Lori Lee is funny as hug-happy Flo, and who emcees the play, also running a prize-laden trivia contest during each scene break. Familiar returning character, Rose’s blind sister Lily, is brilliantly played by Tyler Anthony Smith. But where he really shines is in his portrayal of Misty, Blanche’s rival in the talent contest, and this actor can really shake his groove thing!

But the real reason audiences return to eat up these hilarious hijinks is the ladies. His talent as a playwright is undeniable, but it’s David Cerda’s side-splitting portrayal of dry, deep-voiced Dorothy Sbornak that leaves audiences rolling in the aisles. With his scathing comments and those stink-eyed glances, this talented actor can slay any rival with one look. And speaking of sleighs, Ed Jones is always a generous gift from Santa, with his brilliant, spot-on portrayal of sweetly sincere, simple-minded Rose Nylund. In each appearance, the masterful Mr. Jones brings dazzling delight with those deer-in-the-headlights double takes and that contagious smile that lights up the stage. Grant Drager, as always, completely transforms into the svelte, sex-starved Blanche Devereaux. There’s no other actor around who can play this bodacious babe with such polish and panache. In this edition, Mr. Drager truly gets to strut his stuff singing and gyrating to “Santa Baby.” And Ryan Oates returns again as Dorothy’s sassy Sicilian mother, Sophia. Employing Estelle Getty’s trademark rapid-paced sarcasm and deadpan demeanor, Mr. Oates has made this character all his own.

Bringing LGBTQ glee to Christmastime, David Cerda’s latest installment of “The Golden Girls” is appealingly directed and choreographed with spirit by the brilliant Stevie Love. This a delicious ho ho holiday confection, staged on Christopher Rhoton’s original set, and updated for the holidays by Jeremy Hollis. The festive fun is colorfully costumed by Mr. Cerda, and sparkles with wigs fashioned by Keith Ryan and makeup designs courtesy of Sydney Genco. A scrumptious, spicy eggnog to savor while theatergoers are waiting for the sound of reindeer hooves, this year’s “Golden Girls” is a happy holiday edition that shouldn’t be missed.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas    

Presented November 27-December 28 by Hell in a Handbag at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door, by calling 800-838-3006 or by going to goldengirlsxmas.bpt.me.

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